MLB News: Free Agent Stephen Drew Back With The New York Yankees

Shortstop/second baseman Stephen Drew was demanding a contract worth $7 million for the 2015-2016 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, a figure being balked at by a previously interested team, the New York Mets, which needed help at the in-field. It appears their New York rivals, the Yankees are set to swoop in and get back their own free agent.

New York Mets beat writer Mike Puma of the New York Post made the update on his Twitter account on Tuesday and it appeared the the veteran in-fielder will need to find another team other than the Mets.

Stephen Drew is seeking upwards of $7 million for 2015; Mets could be interested if the price drops significantly, but not holding vigil.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 6, 2015

That team would be Drew’s last team, the Yankees which are reportedly ready to give their own free agent a one-year deal worth around $5 million. The deal will be performance incentive laden and will allow Drew to get his desired $7M annual pay if he performs up to par in the next MLB season. Joel Sherman, another writer for the N.Y. Post confirmed the deal late early Wednesday.

Can confirm @JonHeymanCBS @Yankees close to $5M-ish deal to bring back Stephen Drew — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 7, 2015

#Yankees hope last yr’s disaster for Drew was aberration and he’s more .764 OPS from 2006-13 and LH power plays better at Stadium

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 7, 2015

The 31-year-old, who hit .162/.237/.299 in 300 plate appearances last season playing for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, has also suited up for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2006 to 2012 and the Oakland Athletics in 2012. Through the 2014 MLB season, Drew has a batting average of .256 and has a total of 970 hits, 97 home runs and 443 RBI since his debut with the Diamondbacks eight years ago.

To contact author of this article, email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au