Will Middlebrooks' ability to "re-commit" himself might have closed a door in Boston, but Ruben Tejada's situation with the Mets could ultimately provide Drew with an opportunity.
The Mets are currently projected to go with Ruben Tejada as their Opening Day shortstop, but his glove has been less than spectacular this spring. That might be due to the fact that the team has publicly criticized him, and have been continuously "keeping an eye" on the market for shortstops, according to the New York Daily News' John Harper.
New York could opt to sign the market's last remaining shortstop, Stephen Drew, or they could make a trade with Arizona or Seattle for a younger infielder.
However, Drew is still a "possibility" for the Mets. His agent, Scott Boras, has given "no indication" that his client would be willing to sign a discounted deal like Nelson Cruz did in Baltimore, but as the season nears, he might not have many other options.
A return to Boston appears to have become less likely, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.
Red Sox players say Stephen Drew now regrets not taking the qualifying offer when he had the chance. But the veteran players have turned from the idea that the team needs Drew back. That was the case at the beginning of camp, but not since they've had a chance to see Will Middlebrooks re-commit himself.
Drew might regret having declined the qualifying offer, but as Ervin Santana showed in his new deal with the Braves, an injury could be enough to cause a similar offer to resurface.