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New York Yankees acquire Stephen Drew, Martin Prado before trading deadline - ESPN New York
Wow never thought I would see Red Sox trading with Yankees. Even funnier is that they resigned Drew like 2 months ago. LOL!
Wow never thought I would see Red Sox trading with Yankees. Even funnier is that they resigned Drew like 2 months ago. LOL!
The New York Yankees completed a rare trade with the rival Boston Red Sox, acquiring shortstop Stephen Drew from Boston in exchange for veteran infielder Kelly Johnson. The Yankees also received $500,000 from the Red Sox.
It is the first time they have made a trade with Boston since 1997 when the Yankees acquired catcher Mike Stanley.
"It is a unique set of circumstances," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said of making a trade with the Red Sox. "One of our two teams has to be in the playoff mode, in my opinion, and the other has to be rebuilding to some degree."
The Yankees also completed another deal before the deadline, acquiring infielder Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor leaguer Pete O'Brien and either cash or a player to be named later. Prado is expected to play regularly in right field. Ichiro Suzuki's future role is uncertain.
Drew was the fifth member of the Red Sox to be dealt ahead of Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline, joining pitchers Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller and outfielder Jonny Gomes in the mass exodus from Boston. Cashman said he tried to trade for Lester and David Price.
The Yankees had looked into signing Drew as a free agent the past two offseasons but were unsuccessful.
With Derek Jeter at short and Chase Headley at third, Drew figures to see most of his playing time at second in place of Brian Roberts. The Yankees are releasing Roberts, who hit .237 in 91 games.
Cashman said both trades came together during the final hour of the trade deadline.
"I floated a text Ben Cherrington's way," Cashman said. "We worked very quickly off of that."
Drew hit .253 for the World Series champion Red Sox last year but did not accept a $14.1 million qualifying offer. He re-signed with Boston on May 22 for $10 million and has hit .176 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 39 games.
"We believe in Stephen's abilities," Cashman said.
Cashman said Drew could be a possibility to replace the retiring Derek Jeter at short next season.
The 30-year-old Prado was hitting .270 with five homers, 17 doubles, 42 RBIs and 44 runs for the Diamondbacks this season. He also has played with Atlanta during his nine MLB seasons.
Cashman praised Prado for his versatility. Besides outfield, he can play second and third base, as well, which will give Cashman and manager Joe Girardi flexibility going forward. He is signed for two more seasons for $22 million. Cashman said he had to go to ownership to get approval for the signings.
Johnson, 32, is hitting .219 with six home runs and 22 RBIs this season, his first with the Yankees. He is currently on the disabled list.
It is the first time they have made a trade with Boston since 1997 when the Yankees acquired catcher Mike Stanley.
"It is a unique set of circumstances," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said of making a trade with the Red Sox. "One of our two teams has to be in the playoff mode, in my opinion, and the other has to be rebuilding to some degree."
The Yankees also completed another deal before the deadline, acquiring infielder Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor leaguer Pete O'Brien and either cash or a player to be named later. Prado is expected to play regularly in right field. Ichiro Suzuki's future role is uncertain.
Drew was the fifth member of the Red Sox to be dealt ahead of Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline, joining pitchers Jon Lester, John Lackey and Andrew Miller and outfielder Jonny Gomes in the mass exodus from Boston. Cashman said he tried to trade for Lester and David Price.
The Yankees had looked into signing Drew as a free agent the past two offseasons but were unsuccessful.
With Derek Jeter at short and Chase Headley at third, Drew figures to see most of his playing time at second in place of Brian Roberts. The Yankees are releasing Roberts, who hit .237 in 91 games.
Cashman said both trades came together during the final hour of the trade deadline.
"I floated a text Ben Cherrington's way," Cashman said. "We worked very quickly off of that."
Drew hit .253 for the World Series champion Red Sox last year but did not accept a $14.1 million qualifying offer. He re-signed with Boston on May 22 for $10 million and has hit .176 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 39 games.
"We believe in Stephen's abilities," Cashman said.
Cashman said Drew could be a possibility to replace the retiring Derek Jeter at short next season.
The 30-year-old Prado was hitting .270 with five homers, 17 doubles, 42 RBIs and 44 runs for the Diamondbacks this season. He also has played with Atlanta during his nine MLB seasons.
Cashman praised Prado for his versatility. Besides outfield, he can play second and third base, as well, which will give Cashman and manager Joe Girardi flexibility going forward. He is signed for two more seasons for $22 million. Cashman said he had to go to ownership to get approval for the signings.
Johnson, 32, is hitting .219 with six home runs and 22 RBIs this season, his first with the Yankees. He is currently on the disabled list.