Stephen Drew continues to be the subject of extensive debate.
The New York Mets remain interested in Drew but are reluctant to offer the shortstop more than a one-year deal, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. ESPN.com’s Adam Rubin reports that the Mets view Drew as a “possibility” rather than a “probability.”
There hasn’t been much of a market for Drew this offseason despite the veteran’s strong 2013 campaign. Most teams already have a starting shortstop, and the draft-pick compensation attached to Drew by virtue of Boston’s qualifying offer at the start of free agency has been a hindrance in agent Scott Boras‘ quest to land his client a multiyear deal.
Martino reports that Drew’s medicals are raising some concerns, although WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford hears that the 30-year-old is perfectly healthy. Drew, who missed a large chunk of the 2011 and 2012 seasons with an ankle injury, spent time on the disabled list in 2013 with a hamstring issue. He played in 124 games with the Boston Red Sox last season, hitting .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs.
The Mets have been linked to Drew multiple times this winter, but New York appears willing to go with Ruben Tejada at shortstop unless it can land Drew on a team-friendly contract.
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