Jacoby Ellsbury can become a free agent after the 2013 season.

He was an MVP candidate in 2011, but that effort was sandwiched by a pair of injury-shortened seasons in which his numbers weren't as impressive.

Scott Boras, who represents Ellsbury, does not usually agree to extensions before his clients hit the open market, but if the Red Sox are willing to pony up considerable money they might lock him up.

"Jacoby likes playing in Boston, that's not an issue here," Boras said. "The only thing I can say about Jacoby is that there are few players like him. He is a proven successful player in Boston and in the American League East environment, and he plays a premium position at Gold Glove levels. He is a franchise player."

He then spoke as if he has had talks with Ben Cherington.

"Ben and I always share an open dialogue and we'll continue to talk about Jacoby and other players I represent in the organization and I'm sure this offseason we'll be discussing free agents I represent that could very well be needed in Boston to re-engage in building an annual contender,” Boras added.