Stephen Drew has been linked to the New York Mets all offseason. According to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, it’s purely speculation.
Alderson told MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo on Tuesday that while he’s not completely closing the door on signing Drew, a deal with the free-agent shortstop probably isn’t going to happen.
“We haven’t ruled it out, but I think doing anything is unlikely,” Alderson said. “I think that Stephen will always have other opportunities. We continue to monitor his situation. We’re looking at other free agents that are still available, and [we’re] trying to judge their status and how they might fit with us. I know there’s been a lot of speculation about Drew and the Mets, but at this point, that’s what it remains — speculation.”
Drew is coming off a nice season with the Boston Red Sox in which he hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs in 124 regular-season games while also playing sure-handed defense. The prevailing thought was that the 30-year-old would be able to land a multiyear contract in free agency — a thought that caused him to reject Boston’s one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer — yet not many suitors have emerged thus far.
The Mets have been linked to Drew as much as anyone despite Alderson downplaying the club’s interest. Alderson reportedly described his conversations with Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, as “sporadic.”
The Mets are slated to begin the season with Ruben Tejada at shortstop if Drew doesn’t land in Queens. The Red Sox, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are among the other teams rumored to be monitoring the Drew situation, although even their interest has involved conflicting reports.
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.
