FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury and the Red Sox did not engage in conversation about a long-term deal this offseason, coming off a year in which he was the runner-up in the AL MVP race while hitting .321 with a .376 OBP, .552 slugging mark, .928 OPS, 32 homers, 39 steals and 105 RBI. Instead, he and the Sox avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8.05 million deal for 2012.
That said, Ellsbury suggested that while he was deferring to agent Scott Boras to deal with contract talks with the Sox going forward, he would be open to the idea of signing to stay with the Sox beyond the 2013 season, after which he will be eligible for free agency.
"There's always that possibility. I kind of leave that up to my agent. I was just happy we could get everything worked out this year. As far as future contracts and stuff like that, I let them take care of that and inform me if there's a decision to be made," said Ellsbury. "I love playing here. It's a great place to play. I love the fans," said Ellsbur. "It's a great place to play. It's the only place I know. I enjoy playing in that pressure environment."
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