The New York Mets have openly stated they don't plan on adding to the payroll prior to the start of the season, but with their apparent disdain for current shortstop Ruben Tejada at its current level, their declaration hasn't quelled rumors of an upgrade.
Yankees not interested in Drew despite losing Jeter after 2014?
The most obvious piece for the Mets to add would be free agent Stephen Drew, who turned down a one-year, $14 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox to test the free agency waters. He's been met by a freezing cold market, and may now have to sit out until possibly June if he sticks to his current asking price.
While Drew won't be confused for A-Rod in his prime, he represents a pretty big upgrade over the .202, zero home run, 10 RBI performance Tejada put forth in 2013. Last year Drew was a .253 hitter with 13 homers, 29 doubles and eight triples, but that has made little difference so far, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
"Executives I have spoken with say the Mets have indicated they will not add significantly to their 2014 payroll. Thus, while Drew's asking price has fallen, it will probably never sink to a level these Mets are willing to spend," Sherman said.
Another rumor floating around is a possible deal for Asdrubal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland has a ready-made replacement in high-end shortstop prospect Francisco Lindor, and Cabrera is in the final year of his contract. Christina Kahrl proposed a swap on ESPN's Sweetspot blog that included the Mets shipping out 1B Lucas Duda, infielder Wilmer Flores, and right-handed pitcher Michael Fullmer for Cabrera.
Cabrera, a two-time All-Star, experienced a severe drop in performance last season. He hit just .242 with 14 home runs and 64 RBI while reaching base at under a .300 clip. The Mets may hesitate to trade Duda, however, who is competing for the first base spot with beleaguered power-hitter Ike Davis.
Where will Drew wind up? Tell us @SportsWN
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.