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Report: Drew Not Returning To Red Sox

BOSTON (CBS) - It appears the Drew era in Boston is coming to an end.

Stephen Drew will not return to the Red Sox this off-season, a source told ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes on Tuesday, as there are numerous teams willing to give the shortstop a multi-year deal.

Boston make Drew a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer when the off-season began, which the shortstop declined, and some reports said they would be willing to give Drew a two or three year deal. But now it looks like other teams are willing to go longer, making the choice easy for Drew and his agent, Scott Boras.

Should Drew sign elsewhere, Boston will receive a compensatory pick in next year's draft from whichever team Drew signs with because they made the qualifying offer.

READ: Pedroia Expected Back For Opener After Thumb Surgery

Drew joined Boston last off-season on a one-year, $9.5 million deal. After batting .253 in the regular season he struggled mightily at the plate during the playoffs, but made up for his .111 batting average with some excellent defense at short. It's that defense is what has other teams interested in the 30-year-old this off-season.

ROCHE: Don't Give Up On Will Middlebrooks

Without Drew, the left side of Boston's infield is expected to be made up of rookie Xander Bogaerts at short and third-year player Will Middlebrooks at third. Boston will probably add at least one veteran infielder for more insurance this winter.

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