MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Take Serious Look At Free Agent Shortstop Stephen Drew With Luxury Tax Surpassed

Despite already surpassing the luxury tax threshold by shelling out $470 million on multiple free agents, recent reports indicate that the New York Yankees might not be done 'shopping' just yet. The acquisitions of outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran, catcher Brian McCann, infielders Kelly Johnson, Brian Roberts and Brendan Ryan and starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka this offseason have certainly upped the Yankees' chances of competing at a higher level in the American League East for years to come, but that doesn't mean the 27-time World Series champions are through with free agent spending just yet.

While first baseman Mark Teixeira is expected to be at full strength this season as he returns from injury, there is no guarantee that long-time Yankee shortstop and team captain Derek Jeter will be able to remain on the field for long periods of time, especially since the 39-year-old will be coming back from right quad and ankle soreness that hindered his 2013 campaign. Having capable bodies in Brendan Ryan and Eduardo Nunez certainly provides New York with depth but the need for an everyday and proven shortstop still exists in the Bronx.

As CBS Sports reports, that shortstop could be Stephen Drew, who helped guide the Boston Red Sox to the 2013 World Series championship over the St. Louis Cardinals. Drew – who was targeted by the Yankees earlier this offseason – was said to be removed from New York's radar after the club made the pricy signings of Ellsbury, Beltran and McCann but now that the organization is over the luxury tax threshold after inking Masahiro Tanaka to seven-year, $155 million deal, the belief is that New York higher-ups won't shy away from spending money on other players if they feel it makes sense.

The 30-year-old Valdosta, Georgia native owns a career .264 batting average with 90 home runs and 416 RBI's over eight major league seasons but because of his strong defensive ability and above average offensive skills, Drew remains a hot topic of discussion around Major League Baseball and now it appears that the New York Yankees are back in the hunt for his services.