TAMPA — Derek Jeter’s stunning announcement the upcoming season would be the finale of his Hall of Fame career presents an opportunity for free agent Stephen Drew, who the Yankees have been lukewarm about signing.
The Yankees have talked with Scott Boras, Drew’s agent. The Bronx now likely is a more appealing destination for Drew given Jeter’s retirement announcement. However, that doesn’t mean a deal is imminent.
Drew could play third and second base and provide a strong fill-in for Jeter this season. Jeter, who turns 40 in June, is coming off an injury-plagued 2013 season in which he played 17 games, and nobody can predict what will be able to do.
“We have had a lot of continuing dialogue with a number of teams. We talked to four clubs last week and continue to talk,’’ Boras said, without mentioning whether the Yankees were one of those teams.
Drew, who will be 31 next month, turned down Boston’s $14.1 million qualifying offer and reportedly has been seeking a three-year deal worth more than the money he nixed. The team signing Drew would lose a draft pick.
An elite defender, the left-handed hitting Drew hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs to help the Red Sox win the World Series.
Should Jeter be unable to play regularly this season, the Yankees would have to turn to Eduardo Nunez and Brendan Ryan.
Nunez has the live bat and body the Yankees could use, but his defense is questionable. Ryan is a defensive whiz, but often is overmatched at the plate.