Baltimore Orioles considering making run at Ben Zobrist

The Baltimore Orioles will “at least kick the tires” on free agent Ben Zobrist during the offseason, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. Zobrist is expected to be a hot commodity this offseason given his versatility in the field and his switch-hitting ability.

Zobrist, 34, is on the final year of a six-year, $30 million contract he originally signed with the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the 2010 season. Since then, he has spent time with the Rays, Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals. The Royals are looking to lock up a second consecutive trip to the World Series. They currently lead the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS three games to two.

The Orioles need help at the corner outfield spots with Gerardo Parra potentially departing this offseason and Travis Snider having an underwhelming year. Zobrist could slide into one of those positions and assume the starting role without difficulty. Baltimore finished 81-81 this season and missed the playoffs after winning the AL East last year.

Zobrist, a two-time All-Star, is a career .265 hitter in his 10 years in the league. In a 162-game season, he averages 17 home runs and 77 RBI, although those numbers have tailed off a bit since 2011.