Stephen Drew still seems to want a multiyear contract. However, there’s a new wrinkle in his request.
Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, wants an opt-out clause for his client after Year 1 of a multiyear deal, according to ESPN.com. Such a deal would enable Drew to test the open market again next offseason, when more suitors could be willing to offer a lucrative multiyear contract.
ESPN.com’s Adam Rubin suggests that a multiyear contract with an opt-out clause after Year 1 wouldn’t fly with the New York Mets, who currently are determining how much Drew is worth over incumbent shortstop Ruben Tejada. The Mets, however, would consider a two- or possibly even three-year deal for Drew, according to Rubin.
If Drew gets his wish, the veteran shortstop, theoretically, could opt out next winter to pursue a bigger contract if he enjoys a solid 2014 season. If he struggles and thus decides to stay put, the signing team would be responsible for paying an underachieving player for another season or two. In other words, any team willing to give Drew a contract with an opt-out clause would be assuming all of the risk in the deal.
Drew is coming off a strong 2013 season in which he hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs with the Boston Red Sox.
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