The Boston Red Sox have suddenly put themselves back in contention to re-sign shortstop Stephen Drew, following Ryan Dempster's decision of skipping next season.

Drew, who remains unsigned after turning down one year, $14.1 qualifying contract offered by the Red Sox, could find his way back fielding on Fenway Park as the defending champ might use some of their space to give him a competitive package.

The New York Mets have expressed their intention to sign the 30-year old Drew, but the slugger's request of an opt-out after one season made the contract negotiation complicated. The Yankees have also been rumored as a potential destination for him, especially after Derek Jeter announced his plan to retire after the 2014 season, but the team front office immediately downplayed the report.

The Red Sox are expected to receive a high pick from the team, which will eventually sign Drew as part of compensation for turning down the qualifying offer. According to several baseball insiders, the surrender of a draft pick appears to be another snag.

"Drew rejected a $14.1-million, one-year qualifying offer from Boston in November. The move has seemed to make him less attractive to clubs other than the Red Sox. Since he turned the deal down, if a different team signs him it will have to give Boston its highest unprotected draft pick," True Jersey reported.

Dempster recently announced his plan of sitting out the 2014 season. With the pitcher's $13.5 million paycheck off the books for the coming season, the Red Sox suddenly have the capacity to offer a really solid deal for another player, and Drew could be the guy.

Although youngster Xander Bogarts is ready to step up as the team's premier shortstop, the Red Sox could still sign Drew and put him on third base.

"Dempster's break from baseball saves the Red Sox from paying the pitcher $13.5 million - money that they could spend on Drew, the league's top free-agent shortstop," Brendan Kuty of New Jersey.com reported.