Tampa Bay Rays: The return of Ben Zobrist could make sense

The Tampa Bay Rays have need of a veteran bat and extra money to add payroll. Could that lead to the return of an old friend?

The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves in a fairly unfamiliar situation this offseason. They have extra money to spend in their budget, potentially allowing them to make moves they otherwise would not be able to. Indeed, they signed Charlie Morton to a two year contract, adding another solid arm to the duo of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Avisail Garcia was brought in to solidify the outfield, and provide another bat with power potential to the lineup. Yandy Diaz was acquired as part of a three team deal to serve as a possible super utility man, seeing time at first and third, and possibly the corner outfield spots.

Even with the Rays flurry of additions this offseason, they are still presumably in the market for another veteran bat, one that could play multiple positions and fill in wherever needed. One name that has been mentioned is Chicago Cubs utility man, and former Ray, Ben Zobrist.

While there have yet to be any actual rumors connecting the two teams on a trade for Zobrist, he would be an intriguing fit. The Cubs are in a bit of a financial crunch when it comes to adding to their roster, and moving Zobrist’s remaining $12.5 million salary would free up some room. To that end, the Cubs have reportedly considered such a move.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Even though Zobrist is not the same player he had been during his time with the Rays, he is still a solid option for the lineup. Following a tepid 2017 campaign, he rebounded last season, posting a .305/.378/.440 batting line with 28 doubles. he displayed his usually solid batting eye and contact ability, drawing 55 walks and striking out just 60 times in 520 plate appearances.

That production, and his versatility, would make him an attractive asset for the Rays once again. Bringing Zobrist back would give Tampa Bay a solid option in case the Rays need help at either corner outfield position, second, or even first base. He would give the Rays a fallback option in case Austin Meadows is not ready for the majors, or if Ji-Man Choi cannot produce the way that Tampa Bay is expecting.

Chances are, it would not take much to bring Zobrist back. The Cubs may be looking mainly for salary relief, and a mid tier reliever could be enough of a return. The Cubs do need bullpen help as well, and that is one area that the Rays are well stocked. In theory, the two teams would match up nicely on a possible deal.

The Tampa Bay Rays could theoretically bring an old friend back in Ben Zobrist. With their surplus of relief options, and the Chciago Cubs looking to shed salary, this move would make sense for both sides.