Free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew is willing to settle for a one-year deal with the Tigers if the team is interested, according to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press.
Stephen Drew willing to take 1-year deal with Tigers
Stephen Drew would listen to a one-year offer from the Tigers, who just happen to be in need of a shortstop after the injury to Jose Iglesias.
Drew has seen his market stall this offseason after rejecting a qualifying offer from the Red Sox back in November. With the recent news that Jose Iglesias might miss all of 2014, however, the two sides look to be a perfect match, especially if Drew accepts a one-year offer. Signing Drew to such a deal would help fill Detroit's current vacancy at shortstop and allow Iglesias to take over the shortstop role if he can return to full health in 2015.
The 31-year-old Drew had a strong year for the Red Sox in 2013 after missing much of the season prior due to injury. He hit .253/.333/.443 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI for the Red Sox last year, while also contributing solid defense at shortstop.
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Although the Tigers traded for infielder Andrew Romine on Friday afternoon, the club is still without any viable full-time option to replace Iglesias. Detroit also has Steve Lombardozzi on the squad, but with a roster built to win in the present, the Tigers likely need a better option to assume the shortstop role full-time.
Since news about Iglesias’ injury broke, many have speculated that the Tigers and Drew would be a perfect match, although it was unknown if the eight-year veteran would be willing to settle for a one-year deal. Now, according to Lowe, that is the case, and there is no denying that Drew would be a big upgrade over the club’s current shortstop options.
The Tigers have also been linked with Seattle’s Nick Franklin and Arizona’s Didi Gregorius, both of whom could be available via trade for the right price.
If the Tigers and Drew do agree to a one-year deal, it would likely be in the $14 million range, which is similar to the contract Ervin Santana just signed with the Braves after seeing his market stagnate this offseason as well. Whether the Tigers would have interest in Drew at that price remains to be seen, although if the shortstop is willing to agree to a one-year offer, the two sides look to be a good match and a deal could be wrapped up quickly.
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