Free agent shortstop Stephen Drew might have priced himself out of some good situations this offseason, and is watching his options for 2014 dwindle away. According to reports, the New York Yankees are finished pursuing Major League free agents this offseason, while the Boston Red Sox are ready to move forward with top prospect Xander Bogaerts at shortstop.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post tweeted recently, "Told #Yankees are not considering any more mjr lge fr agt deals. So that would mean no on Drew," despite an aging roster with questionable depth. Meanwhile the Red Sox have said they'd like to keep Drew, but are balking at his asking price and tiring of his slow decision-making.
Told #Yankees are not considering any more mjr lge fr agt deals. So that would mean no on Drew.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 16, 2014
"The one thing that we don't want is a lingering 'what if' if Stephen is still out there in all fairness to our guys, our clubhouse, [and] guys that would be affected if he were to be brought in," Red Sox manager John Farrell said, likely referring to Bogaerts.
"Certainly I can't speak for Ben [Cherington, Red Sox GM] in this situation, but I think the more that we know what our team is going to look like, or at least those guys in our clubhouse, it probably settles some of that wondering if another player is going to join us."
"I can tell you the conversations with Xander to date have been to focus on shortstop," Farrell said. "If that needs to be adjusted, we'll adjust it at that time. We're moving forward with the players that are here."
One of the remaining fits for Drew appears to be the New York Mets, who have been unhappy with in-house candidate Ruben Tejada, however they seem to be pinching pennies judging by general manager Sandy Alderson's comments.
"I said that it was unlikely we would sign another major free agent," Alderson said. "I think that's still the case." Last season Drew hit .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI, and was lauded for his sure glovework between second and third base.
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