Signing Drew through the 2015 season might make sense for the long term development of the Mets.
Right now the Mets have a protected first round pick. They already lost their second round pick signing Curtis Granderson and would lose a third round pick if they sign Drew.
If you take a look at next year’s free agent class, the notable shortstop choices:
- JJ Hardy
- Jed Lowrie
- Hanley Ramirez
Each of the above players could be either an extension candidate, require a draft pick and a long term deal. If the Mets pass on Drew and go with Tejada this season, and that doesn’t work out, they will either need to trade for a short stop next season, or sign one of these players.
The players lead a weak free agency class in terms of bats, so prices will run high. If the Mets finish in the top 20 in the league, which is easily possible, and hopeful, their draft pick won’t be protected next season. Which would increase the price.
On the flip side, if the Mets sign Drew to a year deal, they’ll be free of the contract in 2016. That will be around the same time Amed Rosario is ready to come to the majors. It will also be around the same time, although maybe a year early, that Gavin Cecchini is also ready to be called up.
In other words, signing Drew to a 2-year deal, makes sense for the current farm system the Mets have. If Tejada, Rosario and Cecchini don’t look ready by 2016 then the Mets could either extend Drew or sign another short stop at that time.
The downside to Drew in the short term is he eats up contract space financially. The upside to a short term deal is he could be turned over when prospects are ready and the Mets won’t have to give away draft picks next year, which could be pricy in the long term.
