The New York Mets have been linked to free agent shortstop Stephen Drew for most of the offseason and even though he would be an upgrade over incumbent shortstop Ruben Tejada, who struggled for most of 2013, there have been conflicting reports on the Mets interest in Drew.
According to Newsday, one source said that they haven't spoken lately and that "there has not been much dialogue at all" while another source said that the two sides have been involved in "continuous discussion."
Drew, a client of Scott Boras, has yet to find a new landing spot out of free agency after winning a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2013, and the report indicates that the Mets and Red Sox are the key favorites to land the shortstop, while neither side has given the indication that they are closing in on a deal with him.
According to MLB.com, general manager Sandy Alderson said the Mets are "unlikely" to sign Drew while ESPN New York reported that Drew is seeking an opt-out clause after the first year of a multiyear deal, which would also be a deal-breaker for the Mets.
Drew remains one of the top free agents still on the market, along with Nelson Cruz, Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez and Kendrys Morales.
Drew hit .253 last season with the Red Sox in 124 games while launching 13 homers and 67 RBIs. Drew would be seen as an upgrade compared to Tejada, though the Mets have praised Tejada for his offseason efforts to get into better shape. Tejada hit just .202 last season with no homers and 10 RBIs through 57 games.
Drew has played eight seasons in the MLB, and has a career average of .264 with 90 homers and 416 RBIs. It remains to be seen if another team will jump out and sign the shortstop, but it appears as though the Mets are sending out mixed signals.
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