Suitors lining up for Jacoby Ellsbury

Agent Scott Boras told reporters Wednesday that the interest in free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is unusually high. While the Red Sox would like to bring him back, the Rangers, Yankees and Cubs are thought to have also met with Boras, according to the Boston Globe.

"The number of premium players at that level who get to free agency now are rare and teams recognize that," Boras said. "I think they view those players as difference makers. … It's a real opportunity for a franchise."

According to the Boston Herald, Boras also said Ellsbury has the potential to do more than he's shown so far.

"Ells conditioned himself and did things to become what he needed to become to help this style of team, and that was stealing bases, being a leadoff hitter and being on base, and, frankly, getting on second base as much as possible," Boras said. "The fact of the matter is Jacoby Ellsbury’s compensation is going to be based on all five of his tools."

Ellsbury hit 32 home runs for the Red Sox in 2011, but otherwise, his career high is only nine.