Yankees Should Sign Stephen Drew, Dump Brendan Ryan

Last off-season a big headline was “What will happen to Stephen Drew?”. After winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox he declined the team’s qualifying offer and hit the free agent market with a first round draft pick attached to him. Drew did not have a Spring Training before the 2014 season but instead signed a contract with to return to the Red Sox in the middle of June.

He never found his footing and batted just .176 with 4 home runs and 11 RBI in 39 games. At the Trade Deadline he was traded to the Yankees for Kelly Johnson and continued to struggle. Well folks, you may not like it but I’m here to tell you that the Yankees should resign Stephen Drew.

Let me say this, Drew is a better hitter than his numbers showed last season. Not having a Spring Training is most likely the reason he hit so poorly last season. Drew could easily go back to being an everyday shortstop. But, his struggles last season has significantly lowered his value and is being viewed as a cheaper option available this off season. More importantly, he no longer has a draft pick attached to him. It would be smart for the Yankees to take advantage Drew’s discounted price like a Black Friday shopper at Toys “R” US.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Matt, what are you talking about? We just traded Shane Greene for this Gregorius guy! We have a shortstop!” You’re right, imaginary person I made up to make my point, we do have a shortstop in newly acquired Didi Gregorius.

However, it’s no secret that he needs to grow with the bat and the Yankees are expecting his offense to pick up in time. But as far as 2015 goes there have been talks of a possible platoon situation between the left handed Gregorius and the righty backup Brendan Ryan.

But here is the thing, Ryan has never hit at a remotely respectable level. He’s always been a defensive minded player. While the Yankees are confident that Gregorius will bump up his offense Ryan is what he is and there’s no reason to expect any type of improvement from him.

Now, here’s where Drew comes in. His defense is comparable to Ryan and his bat is considerably better. Were the Yankees to sign him and cut Ryan, owed just $2 million dollars in 2015 (What I like to call a “See Ya Later Deal”), it would be an obvious upgrade to their bench.

Drew would not be a true platoon with the 24-year old Gregorius because he is also a left handed hitter but still presents a better option than Ryan. Although career wise, Ryan is actually a better hitter against left handed pitchers Drew has much better pop in his bat and is more versatile Ryan which is more valuable to the Yankee at this point.

“But Matt, are we even interested in Drew now that we have Didi?” Well, I’m glad you asked, imaginary person who is now interested in this idea. Here’s an interesting note from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

Yes, quite a telling note I might add. If the Yankees are even talking to Stephen Drew is pretty interesting. If they were confident that Brendan Ryan was capable of handling even the minuscule roll he is being assigned they wouldn’t be contacting some outside help to presumably fill the same roll.

Would Drew, a career starter, accept a bench spot? To be blunt, he probably doesn’t have much choice after the season he put up last year. He may view a one year deal as way to lift his stock and get a better contract next off season.

Drew would be a very solid option as a backup at shortstop, second base (Which has uncertainties depending on Chase Headley‘s decision and the ability of young prospects Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela) and third base which makes him a very valuable low cost option.

As fans we tend to underestimate the importance of the bench. It is an important piece to any team and if the Yankees are serious about picking up Drew it would be an upgrade for sure.