BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox agreed to re-sign Stephen Drew, six months after the shortstop had rejected a qualifying offer from the World Series champions to become a free agent.
Drew, who spent one season in Boston, turned down a $14.1 million offer from the Red Sox last year after helping the team capture its third championship in 10 years.
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The deal he accepted Tuesday, which is subject to his passing a physical, has a $14 million salary. If he passes the physical and is added to the 40-man roster Wednesday, he would receive a prorated amount of $10,021,858.
“We have the ability, provided all things work out, we’ve added a very good player to improve this team,” Boston Manager John Farrell said Tuesday before the Red Sox hosted the Toronto Blue Jays.
“That’s the thing Ben and ownership have repeatedly shown,” he said, referring to General Manager Ben Cherington. “When a need exists, they’ll do whatever is capable and whatever is available to improve the team. Stephen’s return to us could very well do that. It will add stability to the left side of the infield.”
The 31-year-old may require a minor league stint before joining the Red Sox. Once he is ready, Drew will take over at shortstop and rookie Xander Bogaerts will be shifted to third base.
Third baseman Will Middlebrooks was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a fractured right index finger.
“We had a chance to sit and talk with Xander,” Farrell said. “He’s aware of everything that’s been talked about and reported, and just wanted to be a little bit ahead of things, as to what it might mean to his position going forward.”
Drew batted .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI in 124 games with Boston last season.
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