Ben Zobrist is one of the top free agents left on the market and teams like the NY Mets, LA Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals are reportedly the favorites to sign him to a contract. Zobrist has met with the Dodgers, Nationals and the Mets and recent reports have him looking to sign a deal this week at the MLB winter meetings.
Zobrist is a versatile player that can play almost anywhere on the field and he fits a need for the Mets, Dodgers, Giants and Nationals, among other teams. Jon Heyman at CBS Sports reports that the four main teams going after Zobrist are the Dodgers, Mets, Nationals and Giants. At first three teams were reportedly "all in" on Zobrist with a fourth "mystery team" and that mystery team has been revealed to be the Dodgers.
The Dodgers did not sign back Zack Greinke and after adding Hisashi Iwakuma on a free agent deal and acquiring Aroldis Chapman from the Reds, the team could consider spending on Zobrist. According to ESPN.com, Zobrist is pushing for a four year deal worth around $60 million and the sticking point for the free agent could be that fourth year. The Dodgers have money and can afford Zobrist, as do the Giants and the Nationals, while the Mets reportedly are willing to go four years.
Adam Rubin at ESPN New York previously reported that the team did not want to go to a fourth year, but Heyman reports that the Mets are willing to go that far. The Mets would like to add Zobrist to help shore up the infield at second base and he also can play third base and shortstop if needed. The Giants need outfield help and could get Zobrist for that, while the Nationals have a hole at shortstop and also in the outfield.
Heyman reports that the Dodgers met with Zobrist on Sunday and that they "love" Zobrist and would like to sign him. Heyman added that the Nationals, Giants and Mets are better fits for Zobrist over the Dodgers, but LA could push the other teams out by offering a more lucrative deal. Ken Rosenthal reports that Zobrist "wants to make decision at meetings" and that he is "focused" on "NYM, WAS, SF" and that it could be "difficult" for the Dodgers to get him this late in the game.
Marc Carig of New York Newsday reported last week that it was likely that Zobrist would make a decision this week and now it looks like three teams and possibly the Dodgers have a chance. Zobrist visited New York and got a chance to look at homes in the area last week and if the Mets go for a fourth year, Zobrist could consider that deal.
Check here for more on Zobrist and teams that are interested in the free agent.