The New York Yankees may pluck another player off their rival Boston Red Sox as they are interested in free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, according to CBS Sports.
The Yankees signed former Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury earlier this offseason.
Although the Yankees just spent $155 million on Japanese star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and $470 million on contracts overall this winter, they may be willing to spend more to help fill holes in their infield.
Shortstop Derek Jeter is expected to remain in his spot if he is healthy but he may also be used more as a designated hitter. The Yankees signed Brian Roberts to play second base and Kelly Johnson could play third base with Alex Rodriguez suspended for the season. The club also has utility infielder Eduardo Nunez in the fold.
Still, there is long-term uncertainty at shortstop with Jeter’s health and age (he is 39).
The Red Sox have top shortstop prospects in Xander Bogaerts and Deven Marrero so Drew is expendable. Bogaerts was a late-season callup.
The New York Mets are also reportedly interested in Drew, as well as the Toronto Blue and Oakland A’s.
Drew batted .253 with 13 homers, 67 RBI and a .777 OPS with the World Series-champion Red Sox last season.