According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the New York Yankees are not in on free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew. Appearing on Mut & Merloni, Olney confirmed what one source within the organization told him about the Yankees not being in on Drew given their current state with Derek Jeter.
It was believed that the Bronx Bombers were eyeing Drew as a fallback option should Jeter not be 100% healthy but as Olney reports, they are not in fact involved.
Furthermore, Olney points to the draft pick compensation that would be owed to the Red Sox if they were to sign the shortstop. Having to give up a pick for signing Jacoby Ellsbury and with Drew wanting multi-years, it makes sense that the Yankees would refrain from pursuing another Red Sox free-agent.
Olney also touched on the Mets as a potential suitor for Drew but was quick to point out that despite there being a need, the other New York club may also be disinterested. The baseball insider mentions the Mets are leery of having to dish out anywhere from $20 to $30 million for Drew.
Believed to be one of the most sought after shortstops on the open market when the free-agent frenzy began, Drew’s agent was adament that a market would form for his client. Olney suggests that may not be the case any longer with the St. Louis Cardinals filling their hole with Jhonny Peralta and the Mets possibly unwilling to meet Drew’s demands.
Does this mean that a Boston reunion in store for Stephen Drew? Olney sure thinks so and figures a two-year deal between $20 and $25 million would be likely.
Do you think Drew will return to the Red Sox? Leave your comments below.