Heyman: Yankees Considering Free-Agent SS Stephen Drew
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Why stop now?
With the signing of Masahiro Tanaka, the Yankees have now surpassed the $189 million luxury-tax threshold. So with that no longer an issue, could the Bombers be a threat to continue spending after missing the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years?
According to WFAN/CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman, general manager Brian Cashman is considering free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew.
The Yankees have significantly improved their outfield with the signings of Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury, but their infield still remains suspect.
Mark Teixeira played just 15 games in 2013, Robinson Cano is now a Mariner, it's doubtful that Alex Rodriguez will play at all in 2014 and 39-year-old Derek Jeter is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he could barely stay on the field.
If the Yankees sign Drew, he won't start at shortstop -- Jeter certainly isn't moving positions. The 30-year-old could move over to third base -- or even second -- though he's only played shortstop in his eight-year career.
The Yanks have spent $471 million in free agency this offseason, signing Beltran, Ellsbury, second baseman Kelly Johnson, starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, catcher Brian McCann, second baseman Brian Roberts, shortstop Brendan Ryan, Tanaka and relief pitcher Matt Thornton.
It's still very conceivable that Drew will re-sign with the Red Sox, the club that he won a World Series with in 2013. Boston is likely willing to offer the veteran a multiyear deal, according to Heyman.
The Mets have also been connected to Drew throughout the offseason, with the Amazin's having a glaring need at shortstop. Drew would immediately become the Mets' starter if general manager Sandy Alderson signed him.
It remains unclear if Hal Steinbrenner will continue his spending spree. According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, it's doubtful that the Yankees will make another big splash.
Drew declined a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer from Boston in November.
In 124 games for the Sox in 2013, the left-handed hitter batted .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs. He posted a .333 on-base percentage and ripped 29 doubles.
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