It once seemed impossible that the Red Sox could afford to extend Jacoby Ellsbury's contract, but having shed the huge deals of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford it now seems possible.

Ellsbury's agent has talked about him as a "franchise player," but it's unlikely that the Red Sox will pay him as such. Still, the idea of a new long-term deal will probably be discussed this offseason.

His ability to stay healthy and lone MVP-caliber season (2011) should keep any team from paying him too handsomely.