Ben Zobrist: Five potential free agency destinations

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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) turns a double play over New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) in the 7th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Zobrist is flying high after helping the Kansas City Royals bring home their first World Series title since 1985. His offseason should only get better, as he is poised to sign a new contract sometime over the next several months.

Zobrist is the rare type of all-around player that could probably improve just about any team to at least some degree. His versatility made him a hot-ticket item at last season’s trade deadline, and it should once again attract significant interest from around the league in free agency.

A 10-year veteran who spent time with the Rays and A’s before moving to KC last July, Zobrist has made an appearance at every position except catcher and pitcher at some point during his career. His most frequent spots, however, are second base and right field. He is a fairly capable defender for a jack-of-all-trades and has posted an average WAR of 5.6 since 2009, his first full season in the majors. On top of all that, he’s a switch-hitter to boot.

There are plenty of reasons to view Zobrist as an appealing free agent, but he does come with a few causes for concern. He will turn 35 next May, and recent reports have suggested that he could be in line for a three- or four-year deal. Zobrist has remained quite durable and productive throughout his career, but how confident are teams that he will he will stay that way through age 38? Interested clubs will have to decide.

Regardless, the flexibility that Zobrist brings is a valuable asset in today’s game and he should end up doing quite nicely wherever he lands. Here are five places that could be possible destinations for him.

Next: Team #1

Chicago Cubs

Oct 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon looks out from the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For the first nine seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, Zobrist was managed by current Cubs skipper Joe Maddon. A reunion between the two could make sense.

The Cubbies don’t have a clear opening for him at the moment, but that could change by offseason’s end, and Zobrist’s ability to jump around the field would still allow him to get consistent playing time. Trade speculation continues to swirl around young infielder Starlin Castro, and if Chicago does decide to trade him, Zobrist has the experience to fill in there. He could also appear in the outfield, especially if Dexter Fowler signs elsewhere.

The Cubs have a young and promising lineup, and Zobrist could provide some valuable veteran leadership to help them reach their goal of a World Series championship next year.

Next: Team #2

New York Yankees

Jun 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; General view of a New York Yankees cap in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It feels a bit cheap to throw the Yankees’ name into speculation about any major free agent, but in many ways Zobrist feels like an ideal fit for them. The Yankees roster needs reinforcements in a variety of areas around the field, and Zobrist’s super-utility credentials would help considerably in that regard.

Second base is a big question mark at present, with Dustin Ackley and young Rob Refsnyder looking like the main candidates to split time there. 38-year-old Carlos Beltran can’t play 162 games in right field. With Alex Rodriguez exclusively a DH, Chase Headley could use some backup at the hot corner. Injury-prone players like Mark Teixeira and Jacoby Ellsbury are decent bets to miss some time. The multi-purpose Zobrist would be a good option to have in any contingency.

The Yanks were interested in Zobrist at the trade deadline but balked at Oakland’s asking price of Refsnyder and Adam Warren. Now he would only cost them money. The Bronx Bombers have been rather difficult to read in recent years concerning their willingness to spend on free agents, but the shorter-term commitment Zobrist would represent could be to their liking.

Next: Team #3

New York Mets

Oct 29, 2015; New Yrok, NY, USA; General view of Citi Field during practice a day before game three of the 2015 World Series between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

From one side of the Big Apple to the other. The Mets fell to Zobrist and the Royals in five games during the 2015 Fall Classic, but they could offer him an enticing incentive to switch sides this offseason.

Daniel Murphy will be a popular free agent target, and some reports indicate that the Mets may ultimately let him walk. Zobrist would be a solid alternative to take over at second base, and he could very well come cheaper than Murphy. Midseason additions Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson are also free agents, meaning the Mets could be in real need of the infield help Zobrist would provide.

With Yoenis Cespedes also a threat to leave, Zobrist could find himself with a potential role in the outfield as well, even more so after the contracts of Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer end in the next couple years.

The Mets will feel pressure to remain competitive after their World Series appearance, and if some of their free agents expectedly move elsewhere, Zobrist could be an appealing addition.

Next: Team #4

Baltimore Orioles

Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A general view of Baltimore Orioles glove and hat lays in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The O’s aren’t usually the biggest players in the free agent market, but MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports that they could “kick the tires” on Zobrist this offseason. Orioles skipper Buck Showalter knows him well from all his years in the AL East and is apparently a proponent of bringing him to Baltimore.

The Orioles are another team with several key free agents, and Zobrist could slide into the picture depending on how everything else shakes out. Jonathan Schoop is the club’s starting second baseman, but Zobrist would likely get ample opportunity to play in the outfield with the potential departures of Steve Pearce and Gerardo Parra.

Zobrist has also been a persistent headache to the Orioles as an opponent throughout his career. He owns a .287/.387/.498 slash line against them in 129 games over the years, along with 15 home runs and 61 RBI. They probably wouldn’t mind having him on their side for a change.

Next: Team #5

Kansas City Royals

Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) celebrates in the dugout after scoring against the Houston Astros during the eighth inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Royals won 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Zobrist proved to be a fine trade deadline acquisition for the Royals, batting .284/.364/.453 with seven home runs and 23 RBI for them in 59 games. He also enjoyed a strong postseason, hitting .303 through all three rounds while belting two homers and driving in six runs.

It seems only natural that Kansas City would want him back, but reports have not exactly made that point clear. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman claims that with injured second baseman Omar Infante set to return, the Royals are unlikely to re-sign Zobrist. Joel Sherman of the New York Post, on the other hand, says that they will still make an effort to keep him.

As is the case with several of these potential landing spots, Zobrist doesn’t necessarily need an obvious place to play in order to be a legitimate asset. Infante was hardly convincing when he was healthy this year, slashing just .220/.234/.318 in 124 games. Zobrist would be a useful guy to keep around. After the Royals lineup’s relentless display this postseason, they should be trying to preserve it as best they can.

Next: 5 potential destinations for David Price

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