Finally, the journey is over. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with free agent infielder Stephen Drew, a member of last year’s championship team.
Drew remained on the market so long due to the Red Sox offering him a “qualifying offer” of $14.1 Million, which would have caused any team that signed him to forfeit their highest non-protected pick in the upcoming amateur draft. Drew, while historically being a plus defender at shortstop, has never been much of standout hitter despite possessing some power. This caused teams to be very wary of surrendering a draft pick to sign him, despite enjoying a bounce-back 2013 campaign in which he batted .253/.333/.433 and was worth 3.4 fWAR.
The Red Sox will not surrender a pick, as they were the ones who purveyed the offer. Drew will stand to make $10.17million, a pro-rated version of the $14.1 million qualifying offer.
Drew figures to slot in at his old shortstop position, with much-hyped prospect Xander Boegarts shifting over to third base. This leaves injured third baseman Will Middlebrooks (SIA Profile), who has hit only .197 this season, on the short end of the stick. It remains to be seen whether Middlebrooks will remain with the big league club, be sent to AAA Pawtucket, or be traded. Another possibility is that Drew himself could be traded if the Red Sox find themselves out of contention, which would possibly allow Boegarts to move back to shortstop and top prospect Garn Cecchini (hitting .301/.389/.368 at AAA) to be called up and get seasoning at the big league level.
Drew has often been a focal point of the dialogue over whether the current qualifying offer system is working or not. Drew is clearly worthy of a full-time major league job, yet did not sign until nearly two months into the season. An argument could be made that the fault lies with Drew’s agent, the infamous Scott Boras. Drew and Boras theoretically should have known that the market would be kind to a glove-first middle infielder on the wrong side of 30, especially one attached to draft pick compensation. I’m inclined to agree with that sentiment.
Drew has been working out with his compatriot in qualifying offer-limbo, Kendrys Morales, so it remains to be seen how long it will take for Drew to be ready for regular game action. (Update: The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo is reporting that Drew may require a week or so in the minors to get ready, but will be immediately placed on the active roster.) The Red Sox will also need to make a corresponding move to add him to the 25-Man Roster.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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