MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers unlikely to sign Stephen Drew

The Detroit Tigers will apparently go the route of understated options to fill their need at shortstop rather than making a splashy move.

Their deal for Andrew Romine earlier this week still seemed to leave wide open the possibility that they could sign Stephen Drew for that spot, especially after Drew indicated his willingness to take a one-year deal. But Saturday Jon Morosi of Fox Sports writes that the Tigers are still unlikely to sign Drew for budgetary reasons:

"Perhaps Drew’s price tag will come down to a point where he fits into the Tigers’ (apparently) more rigid budget. The Detroit Free Press reported Friday that Drew is willing to sign a one-year contract —€” which, at the right dollar figure, could make sense for both parties even after the deal for Romine. But for the time being, the Tigers shouldn’t expect their owner to make another grand gesture in an effort to realize his dream.”"

If nothing happens for Drew or the Tigers between now and Opening Day, this situation will be worthy of consideration after the June amateur draft. At that point it would not cost Detroit a draft pick to sign Drew (if he was still available). That would also give the Tigers a few months to assess their current options at short and possibly decide that they need an upgrade to match the rest of their World Series-ready roster.

For now, talks between Drew and the Tigers are non-existent, but it is certainly subject to change.