3:15 PM Update
The Mets quickly denied that they made any offer to Stephen Drew as WFAN’s Mike Francesa inaccurately reported this afternoon on the air. Kristie Ackert of the Daily News confirmed the news from the Mets.
That said, Francesa believes the Mets will end up signing the free agent shortstop. “I think they’re gonna sign him. I really do,”said Francesa.
According to Francesa, the shortstop and the club are negotiating the length of the deal.
“It’s number of years, they’ve already made him an offer,” Francesa said. “It’s the number of years. They’re fighting over the number of years. I know they have made him an offer … It’s not the money. It doesn’t matter if they did a refinance or not. They already offered him the money. It’s a questions of years. They already made him an offer.
“They’re fighting over years. I think they’re gonna sign Drew, I think they’re gonna sign him. I really do.”
6:30 AM Update
The Red Sox have made a two-year offer to free agent shortstop Stephen Drew according to what a source told Jim Bowden of ESPN. The value of the deal was unreported.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson reiterated last week that the Mets are “unlikely” to sign Drew, despite the shortstop’s perceived lack of suitors on the free-agent market.
“We haven’t ruled it out, but I think doing anything is unlikely,” Alderson said.
However, MLB Network’s Peter Gammons disputes that and still believes Drew will eventually sign a deal with the Mets because he prefers to play shortstop everyday.
The Red Sox have always had interest in a reunion with Drew, but would prefer he serve as a utility infielder who would play regularly.
Scott Boras is still holding out for a three year deal, and reports say that the Blue Jays, A’s and Twins are still in the mix.
Nevertheless, many believe the Red Sox still remain the favorites to land him, and so far appear to be the only team willing to give Drew the multiple years he wants.
