According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees are on the verge of signing infielder Stephen Drew. The deal is reportedly a one-year contract for $5 million. Performance incentives could raise the value of the one-year contract to $6-7 million.
Drew, 31, is a client of Scott Boras and will be looking to rebound from a season to forget in 2014. Splitting time between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Drew hit .162/.237/.299 with seven home runs in 300 plate appearances. It could be worth noting that Drew started the 2014 season late as he held out for a contract and missed the first two months of the season, including Spring Training.
While with the Yankees, Stephen Drew played second base and is still a capable defender at his original position, shortstop. The addition of Drew adds to a crowded middle infield that includes the acquired Didi Gregorius, defensively minded Brendan Ryan at shortstop while Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela were initially projected to compete for the second base position for the upcoming season.
Conceivably, Drew could see time at second base against right-handed bats as both Pirela and Refsnyder are right-handed bats. With veteran experience, it is fair to expect that Drew could be the starting second baseman on Opening Day.
At $5 million, the cost is not breaking the bank of the Yankees and is less than the price Boras had envisioned, unless Drew produces.
