The Mets could use help at shortstop, but they won't chance a multi-year deal to land Stephen Drew
The Mets remain interested in free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but they won't go more than one-year on a deal with the 30-year-old, reports Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
New York has been connected to Drew all winter after enduring a difficult season from incumbent Ruben Tejada in 2013. The 24-year-old Tejada hit just .202/.259/.260 last season and was forced to split time with light-hitting veteran Omar Quintanilla as a result.
Drew projects to be a clear upgrade over Tejada in 2014, but Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports that team officials are divided over the former-Red Sox infielder. Drew would cost the Mets a third round draft pick since the team has already sacrificed their first round pick to sign Curtis Granderson and Rubin rhears they are willing to make that sacrifice but money could be a concern. One source told Rubin he believes the club would need to shed payroll through an Ike Davis or Daniel Murphy trade before they could add Drew.
Drew was solid contributor for the 2013 World Champion Red Sox, hitting .253/.333/.443 in 501 plate appearances with solid defense at shortstop. He has faced a difficult market for his services this offseason, however, after rejecting the Red Sox qualifying offer. Few teams appear to be targeting him at this point and the Mets could playing hard ball with agent Scott Boras with their current stance on him, as one rival GM suggested to Peter Gammons of MLB Network.
