One year in Boston might not be enough for Stephen Drew.
Drew, who will be a free agent after the season, told WEEI.com on Sunday that he’d “love” to finish his career as a member of the Red Sox.
“Do I want to be back here? That would be great,” Drew reportedly said following the Red Sox’ workout at Tropicana Field. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. We’ll see what happens. There’s a time to talk. But looking back over the year, have I enjoyed it? Yeah. I would love to finish out my career here. We’ll see how it happens. We’ll see how the cards fall. I definitely love playing with the Red Sox and this team.”
Drew, who signed a one-year, $9 million contract last offseason, has been a valuable player this year. The shortstop hit .253 with 13 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .333 on-base percentage, and his defense has been even better than advertised. The success has carried into the postseason, too, as Drew smacked an RBI triple off David Price in the fourth inning of Saturday’s Game 2.
“If there is an underappreciation [for Drew], it’s probably outside of our clubhouse,” manager John Farrell said Sunday. “He’s a very good player. He’s a very sound defender, an above‑average defender. We know that there’s been struggles against some left‑handed pitching in the past, but [Saturday] him starting against David Price was not even — there was some consideration for Xander [Bogaerts], but as important as Stephen has been, and as well as he’s played, that was a clear decision.”
Bogaerts’ arrival leaves Drew’s future in Boston beyond this season in doubt. The rookie figures to be an everyday player in the majors as soon as next season, and that could ultimately lead to Drew signing elsewhere. If the two sides do part ways, however, it likely won’t be without some hesitation.
“I knew what I was getting into when I was coming here,” Drew said of playing in Boston. “I had my older brother, and I had played there in interleague. It didn’t change my perspective. I knew it was a baseball town and a fun place to play. The only difference is the media is bigger. The market is bigger. I’m OK with that because I’m a low-key guy. I don’t ever want to change. I just try and be the same guy, go out and play every day and play as hard as I can.”
Drew said that the current Red Sox team is the best team he’s ever been on, and that this season has been a lot of fun. Perhaps Drew’s good times in Boston will continue to roll next season.
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