Despite signing Derek Jeter to a new one-year deal, the New York Yankees are interested in soon-to-be free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, reports the Long Island Newsday.
Stephen Drew free agency: Yankees interested in SS
The Yankees dealt with a slew of injuries in 2013. That may make them more conscious of their depth going forward.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
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Jeter will assuredly remain the starting shortstop with a $12 million contract, but t’s hard to fault the Yankees for wanting more talented depth on their bench going into next season. The team was decimated by injuries throughout the 2013 season, and Jeter himself played just 17 games. He first missed action due to offseason surgery on his ankle, had repeated setbacks throughout the year, and will turn 40 next season.
In addition to Jeter, the Yankees were also missing presumed starters Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, and Curtis Granderson for most of the year, and backup first baseman and third baseman Kevin Youkilis played in just 28 games due to injury.
Drew, 30, played his most games since 2010 this year. Over 124 appearances for the Red Sox, Drew hit .253/.333/.443 with 13 home runs and solid defense at shortstop. He made $9.5 million on a one-year deal, but struggled throughout the playoffs. With Xander Bogaerts ready to take over at shortstop, he is unlikely to return to Boston.
The Yankees are also interested in re-signing defensive whiz Brendan Ryan, who was acquired from the Mariners late in 2013.
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