Stephen Drew probably had plenty of suitors looking to give him a one-year deal and see what happens, but it’s the Boston Red Sox who will officially retain his services for 2013. Drew and the Sox came to terms on a one-year deal worth $9.5 million, and the shortstop can make another $500,000 depending on how well he plays. Drew didn’t exactly light up the field upon returning from a devastating ankle injury that kept him out a year, but the 29-year-old has a solid enough track record on his side.

Drew only hit .223/.309/.348 in 327 PA after getting back to the Major Leagues in 2012, but he’s a career .330 wOBA shortstop who put together a 5.1-WAR season in 2010 and has consistently shown power for his position and respectable glove work over the past few seasons. Drew also fared a bit better down the stretch, as he hit .263/.331/.421 in 114 at-bats during the 2012 season’s final month. He brings a lot to the table for a shortstop, as there simply aren’t many of them who don’t make most fans cringe when their names are mentioned.

The Red Sox are continuing their bizarre pursuit of veteran talent, but this deal makes more sense than the contracts that brought in Shane Victorino the platoon outfielder, Mike Napoli the weak first baseman, Ryan Dempster the old man, and Jonny Gomes the Jonny Gomes. Drew  is only in town for one season and will be paid as if he is a 2-3 WAR player, something he very well might be. Drew also has a chance to exceed the value of his brief contract and prove he’s back for good. The Red Sox have done a lot of weird things that betray their recent salary dump and still don’t position them as likely contenders in 2013, but this signing is one we’re not going to complain about.

Tagged: Boston Red Sox, MLB free agent signings, MLB hot stove, MLB transactions, Stephen Drew