Although news broke several days ago, Wednesday the Washington Nationals announced that they had officially agreed to terms with infielder Stephen Drew on a 1-year contract worth $3 million, plus another $1.25 million in potential performance incentives. In addition, Washington designated for assignment RHP Taylor Hill to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Drew.
A former 2004 1st round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks, he will be reunited with Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo, who worked for Arizona when Drew was selected. Drew is expected to pair with Danny Espinosa and soon-to-be signed Daniel Murphy to replace Ian Desmond and Yunel Escobar in Washington’s middle infield next season.
The 32-year-old Drew, 33 in March, spent all of 2015 with the New York Yankees, batting .201/.271/.381 with 17 home runs and 34 extra base hits in 383 at-bats. This was the second consecutive down season for Drew, who also struggled in 2014, batting only .162/.237/.299 with 7 homers in 85 games, missing much of the year due to issues resulting from his offseason qualifying offer.
However, there are reasons for optimism that Drew could bounce-back, as his BABIP the past two seasons has been .194 and .201, nearly 100 points below his career average and the major league average. In addition, he possesses a career 8.8% BB% and .170 ISO, in line with his 8.6% and .180 numbers from 2015. Furthermore, the left-handed hitting Drew is a career .260/.329/.436 hitter verses right-handed pitching, making him an potential asset as a reserve.
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Defensively Drew has received positive marks throughout his career both at shortstop and second base due to his strong arm, quick release and reasonable athleticism. Last season Drew received a brief cameo at third base also, perhaps portending his utility infielder role in 2016. Although he is entering his mid-thirties, one should expect Drew to remain a solid defensive infielder through next season.
With this acquisition, the Nationals’ front office has done several things, most notably adding veteran depth to their infield and left-handed home run power. Certainly he has warts to his game, but Drew provides a natural platoon with Danny Espinosa at shortstop and can spell Rendon occasionally against difficult righties. Also, this signing almost guarantees top infield prospects Wilmer Difo and Trea Turner begin 2016 in the minor leagues, allowing them to gain valuable experience and delaying their service time an extra year.
$3 million is expensive for a reserve but it is only a 1-year commitment and there is a real possibility he rebounds to provide Washington with a much-needed versatile reserve. There is legitimate concern Drew busts and he is released before the All-Star break, but on a risk verses potential reward basis, this is a decent gamble by Washington.
NatsGM Grade -> C+ / B-