If Stephen Drew stays in Boston, it might require the Red Sox to pony up more than the $14.1 million qualifying offer that they extended earlier this week.
According to Peter Gammons, a general manager has indicated that Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, has already set up a number of meetings concerning the shortstop for Tuesday. That, as the GM notes, would mean that Drew has no intention of accepting the Red Sox’ qualifying offer, as the deadline for him to accept the offer is Monday.
The MLB GM meetings are scheduled for next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., and Boras, as usual, figures to be a busy man. Drew and Red Sox teammate Jacoby Ellsbury are two of Boras’ biggest free-agent clients, so it should be a really interesting time for those closely monitoring Boston’s offseason.
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There’s still a chance that Drew could re-sign with the Red Sox, even if he rejects their $14.1 million qualifying offer. The Sox are free to continue negotiating a deal with Drew as long as he’s a free agent, and WEEI.com reports that there’s a growing sentiment that Drew might re-sign with Boston on a multiyear deal upon turning down the team’s qualifying offer.
Drew struggled offensively during the postseason, hitting just .111 (6-for-54) with 19 strikeouts. The 30-year-old hit .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs in 124 regular-season games, though, which is above average for a major league shortstop. Drew is also considered a plus-defender.
If another team signs Drew this offseason, that team will be forced to relinquish a draft pick to the Red Sox by virtue of Boston making the shortstop a qualifying offer.
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