Scott Boras wants an opt-out clause for Stephen Drew after Year 1 of a multiyear deal, a source told ESPNNewYork.com.
Stephen Drew
#7 SS
Boston Red Sox
2013 STATS
- GM124
HR13
RBI67
R57
OBP.333
- AVG.253
That's not going to fly with the Mets, who otherwise still remain in play for the free-agent shortstop.
The Mets would consider a two- or possibly even three-year deal for Drew, although there still appears a question of how much Drew is worth over incumbent Ruben Tejada.
In 2013, Drew had a 3.1 WAR and Tejada had a -0.9 WAR, suggesting Drew would be worth four more wins than Tejada. But that arguably is an extreme example. In 2012, for instance, Drew had a -0.4 WAR and Tejada had a 2.0. In 2011, they were even at 1.9 apiece.
So the question becomes: Do the Mets want to allot $11 million to $12 million a season for Drew when there is no guarantee the production in most years will result in more than one or two extra wins, at least as calculated by WAR?
As for the opt-out, that's a deal-breaker for the Mets, apparently. That's because Drew could again enter free agency after a good season in 2014. And with a poor season he would be locked in to one or two more seasons guaranteed -- placing all of the risk on the team side.