Hey, you can never have too much depth, right?
The Red Sox traded for infielder Jonathan Herrera on Wednesday, but don’t get the wrong idea. Boston is still interested in re-signing shortstop Stephen Drew, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.
CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam confirmed the Red Sox’ continued interest in re-signing Drew, while adding that a reunion would need to come on Boston’s terms. Drew reportedly is seeking a multiyear contract in free agency, and the shortstop’s agent, Scott Boras, said recently that there are a number of teams interested in offering his client a multiyear deal. It’s believed that the Red Sox are unwilling to offer more than two years.
Drew’s market is still developing, but it’s possible that some teams are shying away from the 30-year-old because of the draft pick compensation attached to him. (Any team that signs Drew would need to relinquish a draft pick to the Red Sox because Boston offered him a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer at the beginning of free agency.)
If Drew doesn’t return for 2014, the Red Sox will likely begin the year with Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and Will Middlebrooks at third base — barring any major developments before Opening Day. Herrera, who was acquired from Colorado on Wednesday, will serve in a backup role, and it’s entirely possible that the Red Sox could consider adding another infielder to further bolster their depth.
[tweet https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/413420259534577664 align=’center’]
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
