Report: Mets Reach Out To Ben Zobrist, Who Might Be Too Expensive For Yankees
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- According to the New York Post, the Mets have reached out to Ben Zobrist's agent, Alan Nero.
The newspaper reports that the Yankees, however, are reluctant to pay the free-agent second baseman what he'll likely command on the open market.
Zobrist, 34, is incredibly versatile defensively. In 2015, the veteran played 69 games at second base, four games at third base, 45 games in left field and five games in right field for the A's and World Series champion Royals.
He was no slouch at the plate, either, batting .276 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs.
The Mets have a need at second base with Daniel Murphy likely departing. The National League Championship Series MVP turned down New York's qualifying offer last Friday and will likely sign a long-term deal elsewhere.
If the Mets don't sign or trade for an established second baseman, internal options include shifting shortstop Wilmer Flores to second or giving 21-year-old Dilson Herrera the full-time job.
The Yankees could certainly use Zobrist, as well. The offseason just started, but the Bombers' second basemen at this time are Brendan Ryan, Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley.
According to the New York Post, Zobrist could get as much as $60 million-plus over four years.
Because Zobrist was traded during the season, the team that signs him won't have to surrender a draft pick. Zobrist was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer.
