New York Mets Rumors: Ben Zobrist Too Costly?
New York Mets Rumors: Is Ben Zobrist’s contract demands becoming too much for the Mets to handle?
The New York Mets interest of Ben Zobrist has been evident for months. They looked into acquiring him prior to the MLB Trade Deadline in July, and now that he is a free agent they are one of the teams lining up for his services. It is no secret that the Mets are are on the teams in on Zobrist, who is coming off a World Series Championship with the Kansas City Royals against the Mets. But, are his contract demands making the Mets less inclined to sign him?
According to MLB Network Insider and MLB on Fox reporter Ken Rosenthal, the Mets No.1 target in free agency is Zobrist. But, not only are they not alone, Rosenthal says that his contract demands could become too rich for the Mets.
Sources: Zobrist market likely to become more defined in next few days. Willingness to guarantee fourth year likely will be deciding factor.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2015
Zobrist #Mets’ No. 1 target, sources say. #Nationals also in, along with #Braves, #SFGiants, others. #Royals not expected to offer same $$$.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2015
Zobrist would be a big help for the Mets. He could step right into the hole at second base that Daniel Murphy has left behind, while also giving the Mets some versatility. With David Wright‘s playing time more than likely to be monitored, Zobrist could help out at third base on some nights, while also filling in and playing the outfield or even shortstop if the need arises.
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But, that fourth year could be the sticking point for the Mets. While they have a clear need in the middle infield, giving a fourth year to a player that is 34-years old and will be 35 during the 2016 season, a fourth year could be a deal breaker. Also, the $14 million per season that ESPN New York believes Zobrist could get is a lot of money to be giving to a player this far into his career.
That could take the Mets out of the running for Zobrist despite him being the player atop their wish list. The Atlanta Braves, despite being the furthest of the team away from contending, should be team that makes the other nervous. They have said they want to improve on their record from 2015, and to do so you sometimes have to overpay in free agency. Zobrist, who won a ring, could be looking to cash in and the Braves may be inclined to give him that extra money and year just to get him into their clubhouse of younger players to help them learn.
The Mets have some other needs, such as the bullpen and platoon outfielder to go with Juan Lagares, so they cannot afford to blow the bank on Zobrist if they do not feel it is worth the investment. While they would obviously love to add Zobrist to the team, it is looking more and more likely that his destination could end up being elsewhere as his contract demands increase.
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As we see with the teams mentioned above, the Mets are not the only team that wants to sign Zobrist, so if one of those teams are willing to give that fourth year, something the Mets seem hesitant to do, they could land him and leave the Mets looking elsewhere to get help up the middle.