Ben Zobrist is the Mets’ “No. 1 target” this offseason, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter links). The Nationals, Braves, and Giants are also among the leading teams for Zobrist. The Royals, meanwhile, are not expected to offer the same type of money that those other clubs are.
Rosenthal adds that the veteran’s market is likely to become more defined over the next few days. Zobrist is seeking a four-year deal and a club’s willingness to go from three to four years will “likely be [the] deciding factor” for the veteran, per Rosenthal. Recently, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that there are as many as 20 teams with interest in the versatile switch-hitter and he listed the Cardinals as one of the most interested teams.
Zobrist is highly valued thanks to his incredible versatility coupled with his strong OBP. However, with his 35th birthday coming up in May, teams are understandably hesitant about giving him a four-year deal. On the plus side, however, Zobrist will not require the forfeiture of a draft pick since the midseason deal that sent him to KC made him ineligible for a qualifying offer. Earlier this offseason, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicted that Zobrist would net a three-year, $51MM deal.
Wonder to what extent the braves interest ?
If 3/51 is the rate he is going for, I’d say no if I’m the Braves
Why would the Braves be interested at all? They have no shot at being competitive this year and most likely next year either.
If I was Zobrist I’d demand a no trade clause. I hate that the Braves have become one of those teams, as I’m now surprised when FAs aren’t quickly dissuaded from coming to Atlanta.
That said, there’s more sensible choices for the Braves.
I wouldn’t need a no-trade from the Braves if they’re the highest bidder and willing to go 3 years. I just need a bonus/relocation fee if I do get traded.
The new regime has just gotten rid of every player from the past regime minus 2. They aren’t interested in trading Markakis and I don’t expect them to trade any big free agents they pick up.
LOL
1-Free agents can’t be traded before next June.
2-Who are the “big free agents” you expect Atlanta to sign?
He would be a great fit for the Os. Unfortunately they probably cannot afford him.
He would be a great fit for {insert team here]. He’s just that kind of player.
I agree, Zobrist will double his salary to 17 plus for 3 years. Fangraphs had him as the second best WAR for second basemen the last 3 years behind Cano and ahead of Kinsler and Pedroia. That’s not counting his ability to be a utility man.
I will be surprised if the Mets are the highest bidder for Zobrist.
So would the Mets’ ownership…they don’t want to actually *pay* him, they just want to get credit for trying.
Zobrist is a great fit for every team
Disagree. Think he’s declining fast. This contract will not turn out well.
Not really the Cubs got there Zoberst in Beaz plus a solid 8 more starter position players
Ben Zobrist’s versatility afield and in the batting order, his veteran leadership and his history with manager Joe Maddon makes him an excellent fit with the Chicago Cubs.
The Nats already have one of them there Zobrists: Danny Espinosa. Better defender at more positions, much younger, about the same in WAR and the ISO stats, and cheaper.
He’s a good fit for the Nats only because it’s nice to have another one like him to (also) hit on the left side and supersub for everyone. But right now, priorities number 1, 2, and 3 are to fix the high leverage portion of the bullpen.
When did Zobrist become a pitcher?
Teams looking at Zobrist might want to look at Kendrick, he’s 3 years younger.
He is a utility player – wouldn’t be surprised.
I’d be leery of Zobrist on a 3 or 4 year deal, but he will still get it because so many are involved. That said, his WAR for 2015 was only 1.9, and it’s the first time his defensive WAR was negative. I know he had some injuries this year, but it doesn’t bode well overall as he turns 35.
He hasn’t had many injuries either. I feel bad saying anything negative about the guy. Cause he’s been so good at everything. And it’s been a bad idea to vote against him. But I don’t know if I’d make that deal either. His declining numbers may be due to his change of scenery from being in a solid place in Tampa so long. Being in a stable situation again may bode well for him. But, time isn’t on his side either.
Zobrist missed about a month early in the season due to injury which negatively impacted his WAR. He did finish the year strong following his trade to Kansas City. Zobrist was a solid postseason contributor, starting every game at second base and as the #2 hitter in the Royals lineup.
Giants have too many other needs than to spend $17/yr for Zobrist. They’re trying to turn Kelby Tomlinson into the Zobrist type of player as was the plan for Matt Duffy until he took over 3B.
If the Braves sign Zobrist and a few good relievers they could be contenders sooner than many think. Depending on how Olivera plays this year along with Adonis Garcia. This could be a complete turn around for the team. Second half of the year the line up could look like this
1. Mallex Smith CF
2. Ben Zobrist 2B
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Adonis Garcia 3B
5. Hector Olivera LF
6. Nick Markakis RF
7. AJ Pierzynski C
8. Erick Aybar SS
Solid line up if you ask me.
I’m certain Ben Zobrist prefers finishing his career with a team that figures to be a solid World Series contender over the life of his last contract. That club is not the Atlanta Braves.
You’re certain, huh?
Why would the Braves want Zobrist?
A team in a full rebuild doesn’t need a 35 year old man taking at bats from some young kid who could be part of the future.
Same reason they wanted Markakis. Along with Pierzynski, and Gomes. Same reason why they were okay with swapping bad contracts for Swisher and Bourn. Braves shoot to be contenders for 2017 when they get the new park. That means position player wise, the selling is over. Throughout any rebuilding processes every team is going to need well established veterans to keep the youngsters heads up and going in the right direction. Bringing in Zobrist would mean one year of being non contenders for him. He wants a 4 year deal so if that happens then that’s three years of possibly contending. And the first year may be the key factor to why the braves ARE interested, for him to mentor and help lead this young team. If the Braves could get him to take 4 years 60-65 million i see would be a perfect fit. We have Peterson struggling bad at 2B in the second half last year, maybe he figures it out maybe he doesn’t but we would have Zobrist to help with that. Garcia’s defense very questionable at 3rd? No problem for Zobrist! And Erick Aybar free agent at the seasons end? Hey, he’s got experience there too. Albies won’t be ready until 2018 or so unless he’s rushed. With adding Zobrist there would be no reason to rush him and he can fill the gap and be the starting SS through 2017 after being utilized his first year. I don’t think there’s a better fit in baseball for him.
Appreciate all the work you put into your comment and reply but it was wasted. Ben Zobrist will not be signing with the Braves this off-season.
Mets biggest position player needs are SS and CF, neither of which Zobrist plays well. He would be fine as a backup for Wright, but so would a much cheaper Uribe. Zobrist is neither the big bat nor the defensive upgrade the Mets need, so he is not worth the contract.