Stephen Drew could broaden his horizons.
Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, recently hinted to the New York Daily News that the veteran shortstop might be open to playing multiple positions moving forward. This could make Drew more attractive to teams that already have their shortstop situation figured out for 2014.
“Stephen is a great shortstop,” Boras said. “Teams have called us about Stephen and said that he would be an excellent second baseman or third baseman, and we don’t disagree.”
Drew, who possesses offensive pop and plays superb defense, arguably is a top-10 shortstop, but the 30-year-old’s market hasn’t really developed this offseason. Most teams already have a starting shortstop lined up for the upcoming season, and whichever team — other than the Boston Red Sox — signs Drew will need to relinquish a draft pick because of the one-year, $14.1 qualifying offer made by the Red Sox at the beginning of free agency.
The Red Sox remain open to the idea of Drew returning in 2014, but it appears they’re unwilling to offer the shortstop more than a one- or two-year contract. Xander Bogaerts figures to begin the season as Boston’s starting shortstop if Drew signs elsewhere.
The New York Mets represent another potential suitor for Drew, but they, like the Red Sox, might be unwilling to offer any more than a two-year deal. Boras told the New York Daily News that he’s talking to “a lot” of teams about Drew, although he reportedly wouldn’t mention any by name.
Drew hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs in 124 games in 2013.
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