January 5
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Ben Zobrist has one of the biggest trade markets out there. He is being pursued seriously by the Giants, Nationals, Angels, and Cubs. A source told him that the Rays are said to be asking for at least one top prospect and a mid-level one.
Ken Rosenthal adds that Zobrist has some added value because he is likely to receive a qualifying offer next winter, and a team has the possibility of getting a draft pick in return.
Zobrist, who turns 34 in May, has just one year left on his contract and is owed a very reasonable $7.5 million for the 2015 season.
January 2
With the Tampa Bay Rays agreeing to a one year deal with free agent infielder Asdrubal Cabrera on Tuesday, there’s lots of speculation that this could open the door for a Ben Zobrist trade.
This could lead to as many as 15 MLB teams jumping into the fray to acquire the very durable and very versatile Zobrist, who has logged time at second base, shortstop and both outfield corners.
In terms of what Zobrist should fetch in a trade, MLB Trade Rumors says it is reasonable to expect either a Major League ready player plus a prospect, or a package of three to four prospects headlined by at least one top MLB prospect.
Mark Simon of ESPN New York, believes the Mets should be all over this and writes:
“Though Zobrist isn’t Troy Tulowitzki, he would represent a major upgrade for the Mets at shortstop and has the ability to play multiple other spots on the diamond if needed. ”
“The most important thing you should know about Zobrist is that he’s one of two position players to put up at least 4.5 Wins Above Replacement in each of the past six seasons. The other player? Miguel Cabrera.”
Simon doesn’t suggest what the Mets would have to give up for him, only that the cost would be “considerable” for this “potential difference-maker.”
Zobrist, who turns 34 in May, has just one year left on his contract and is owed a very reasonable $7.5 million for the 2015 season.
Last season, the two-time All Star batted .272 with a .354 on-base percentage , a .749 OPS and a 116 OPS+ in 146 games.
In 654 plate appearances, the switch-hitting Zobrist collected 34 doubles, 10 home runs, 52 RBI and 83 runs scored. He has averaged 81 walks and 12 stolen bases over the past three seasons.
I would imagine any offer from the Mets would begin with Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz – based on what MLB Trade Rumors is saying – and it most likely includes a position prospect like Dilson Herrera, Kevin Plawecki or Amed Rosario.
I would say no way to that.
