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The New York Mets’ top free agent target this off-season is Ben Zobrist, according to FOX Sports. The only problem is that the defending National League champions will unlikely give him a four-year contract, according to ESPN.com.
Zobrist will turn 35 early next season. If the Mets decide to give the utility player four years, Zobrist would likely not produce at the level he has through his entire career because of his age. He wants a contract at about $14 million per year and if New York gave him the fourth year, the back end of the contract could look really bad, especially since the team isn’t one of the biggest money spenders in MLB anymore.
There’s still a solid chance that Zobrist could land the four-year contract elsewhere. He’s viewed as the utility man of all utility men in the sports. Not only did he have a .276/.359/.450 batting line for the Oakland A's and Kansas City Royals this season, but he can play quality defense at all the infield positions and even some outfield as well. Another reason to sign him is because he was a big reason that the Royals were able to win the World Series after falling short in 2014. The two-time All-Star delivered a .303 BA in 16 games with 2 HR, 6 RBI and 7 BB in the postseason. He was arguably the Royals best player and most clutch as they defeated the Mets for the World Series. There’s still around a dozen teams interest in his services. The winner could be the team willing to give him the fourth year.
The Mets would likely use him as the team’s everyday second baseman as well fill in at third base for David Wright when he needs a rest. If they don’t sign Zobrist, they’d still likely go after a new middle infielder. Daniel Murphy is likely going to sign with a new team, which leaves a hole at second base. Dilson Herrera could get an opportunity to become the team’s starter at second base but he’s still very young. The 21-year-old might need more seasoning and he could get that if the team could find a new second baseman. Howie Kendrick, Asdrubal Cabrera and Stephen Drew are among the free agents out there that could be the Mets’ second baseman next season. There’s also the possibility that the team goes with a combination of Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada up the middle of the infield.
