Atlanta Braves showing interest in Stephen Drew
By Aaron Somers
While the 2014 season proved to be an overall disappointment for Stephen Drew, perhaps the best thing that the longtime shortstop managed to accomplish was proving that he handle sliding over to play second base. That new-found flexibility could be working in his favor, as the Atlanta Braves have emerged with interest in looking at Drew to fill their void at second.
Drew, an Atlanta-area native, was first linked to the Braves in a report from CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman – though no details were provided as to how serious the team’s interest may be.
Atlanta is known to be looking for a veteran infielder to come in and man second base, at least until top prospect Jose Peraza is ready to step into the everyday lineup. Earlier this offseason the team traded Tommy La Stella to the Chicago Cubs in a move to address their bullpen, but that deal left them without a likely choice to step into the lineup at the position. The franchise doesn’t appear confident that Philip Gosselin and/or Tyler Pastornicky can handle playing everyday.
Drew’s 2014 season got off to a delayed start. He rejected a qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox following the 2013 season, a factor that is believed to have severely affected his market last winter. Drew remained without a team once the season began, finally signing with Boston in late-May and debuting at the start of June. They’d trade him at the July trade deadline to the New York Yankees. Collectively he’d see 300 plate appearances on the year, struggling to hit just .162/.237/.299 with 75 strikeouts and just 22 extra base hits.
Drew has hardly been an offensive threat since early on his career, but he’s long been known for being defensively sound. He’ll also bring a solid veteran presence to the Braves, should the team pursue bringing him in. The Yankees, New York Mets, and Oakland A’s have also been rumored to have interest at various points this offseason. The Yankees are no longer likely an option, as they’ve addressed their shortstop needs, but a deal with either of the other two potential suitors could still be possible.