If free agent infielder Stephen Drew accepts a two-year offer from the Red Sox, youngsters Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks could be greatly affected, the Boston Herald has speculated.
The inclusion of Drew would likely push Bogaerts to third base, at least against right-handers, and relegate Middlebrooks into a part-time role or even send him back to Triple-A. Other reports, however, have claimed that Bogaerts would remain as the starter at shortstop and Drew would serve in a utility role.
If Drew signs elsewhere, Bogaerts willl probably start at shortstop and Middlebrooks at third. The pair have just 659 major league at-bats between them.
Bogaerts batted .250 in just 44 at-bats in 2013 while Middlebrooks, who shined in 2012, fell to .227 with 17 home runs and 49 RBI while striking out 98 times in just 348 at-bats.