MLB Free Agents Rumors 2014: New York Yankees Interested In Signing Former Red Sox Stephen Drew As Derek Jeter’s Replacement?

By John Santisteban

Mar 24, 2014 05:28 PM EDT

The New York Yankees have been on a spending spree this offseason, but reports indicated that the team is still looking to improve their infield options.

According to reports, the Yankees have been discussing a potential deal to acquire former Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew, who is one of the remaining big-name free agents available on the market.

CBS Sports reported on Monday that Drew's agent Scott Boras sat down with Yankees officials over the past several days, but sources indicated that no deal is imminent at this point because the team is reportedly out of money, which is surprising considering the Yankees' reputation as a big spender.

"The Yankees once again said they couldn't make an offer to top free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew. The Yankees and Drew's agent, Scott Boras, are said to have talked in the past couple days, but the main message for now apparently is that the Yankees are "tapped out," meaning out of money," CBS Sports noted.

The Yankees had a major roster shakeup this offseason, committing $458 million in salary to sign big-name free agents Masahiro Tanaka, Jacob Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran.

But despite making big moves in the offseason, one MLB analyst said that the Yankees still have the most limited infield options, especially if Derek Jeter, who is set to retire after next season, fails to return strong from a severe ankle injury.

Drew could be a perfect option for the Yankees, but it appears that the Yanks are not willing to give into the demands of the 31-year-old short stop, who batted .253 last season with 13 homeruns and 67 RBIs.

Drew was also linked to the Detroit Tigers over the past several days, but reports indicated the Tigers have no plans to sign Drew despite expressing willingness to sign a lucrative one-year deal.

"The Detroit Free Press reported Friday that Drew is willing to sign a one-year contract -- which, at the right dollar figure, could make sense for both parties even after the deal for Romine. But for the time being, the Tigers shouldn't expect their owner to make another grand gesture in an effort to realize his dream," Fox Sports reported.