The New York Yankees acquired Stephen Drew in a surprising trade with long-time rival Boston Red Sox just hours before Thursday's MLB trade deadline.
The Red Sox, who became sellers before the deadline, sent Drew to Bronx in exchange for veteran Kelly Johnson in deal where the Yankees also got $500,000 from their rivals.
The Red Sox-Yankees trade on Thursday marked the first time the two rivals agreed to a deal since 1997.
When asked about the rare trade, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that the teams' current situation made it happen.
The Yankees are looking to make a strong push to make the postseason as they are currently third in the American League East with their 55-52 card- 5.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox, on the other hand, are at the cellar with their 48-60 record.
"It is a unique set of circumstances," Cashman said via ESPN. "One of our two teams has to be in the playoff mode, in my opinion, and the other has to be rebuilding to some degree."
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington also admitted that their current situation made the trade easier to make, while also expressing gratitude to Drew.
"Given the circumstances, we hope it helps them," Cherington said. "I like Stephen, we all like Stephen. He is a good player, it hasn't worked out the way any of us wanted it to, certainly not the way I wanted it to. Hope it works out for him there, and the Yankee thing wasn't an issue in that particular conversation."
Drew has been struggling this season, averaging just .176 with just four homeruns and 11 RBIs this season. But despite the 31-year-old's struggle this season, analysts view the move as New York's preparation for Derek Jeter's retirement after the current season.
Aside from Drew, the Yankees also acquired infielder Martin Prado in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. Prado is expected to take Ichiro Suzuki's role moving forward.
On the other hand, the move could jump start the Red Sox's rebuilding effort after also trading pitchers Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller along with outfielder Jonny Gomes.
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