Jacoby Ellsbury rumors: 'No trade is imminent' for Red Sox

A trade involving Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is not imminent, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.

With the Red Sox signing Shane Victorino to a three-year contract, the Sox could slide Victorino to center field easily to replace Ellsbury. But as of now, a trade is not imminent -- but that doesn't mean a trade couldn't happen:

Indeed, the source suggested that a deal involving Ellsbury this offseason isn't inevitable.

At this point, the trade market for Ellsbury (and, more broadly, for outfielders) has yet to take shape in a fashion that would address the Sox' major league needs, chiefly, big league quality starting pitching. The only trade to date involving a stating outfielder was the Twins sending Denard Span to the Nats for a high-ceiling Single-A right-hander in Alex Meyer.

The Red Sox have Ellsbury for one more season before he's eligible for free agency. With Scott Boras as his agent, Ellsbury would likely test the free agent market.

Ellsbury had the best season of his career in 2011. He batted .321 with a .928 OPS. He also stole 39 bases and hit 32 home runs. He was a five-tool threat who finished second in the American League MVP race.

Last season was a different story, though, as Ellsbury battled injuries. He batted just .271 with a .682 OPS. He hit four home runs in 74 games.

In his career, Ellsbury is a .297/.349/.442 hitter with 189 stolen bases.