With David Wright out indefinitely and no clarity on when or even if he will return, the Mets find themselves having to piece what’s left of their infield together with three players all arguably out of position.
On Monday, Sandy Alderson said the team was exploring ways from outside the organization to improve the club, but aren’t seeking a permanent solution at third base in the even Wright begins to make progress and can return in the near future.
However, it’s possible they have an ideal type of player in mind, someone who might be able to play multiple positions on a regular basis.
Enter A’s utility player Ben Zobrist, who fits that criteria and is a player they were reportedly interested in this past winter.
But while the Mets still like Zobrist, they view a trade for the former All-Star as unlikely at the present time, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The Mets do have renewed interest in Zobrist, Matt Ehalt of the Bergen Record tweets, but no deal appears to be imminent right now.
Zobrist would go a long way towards fortifying the roster and offer stability to the infield, even if Wright returns at some point. He’s a switch hitter who has a little bit of pop and speed, can play everyday at any number of positions – including shortstop and second base – and gives the Mets a solid and predictable bat and glove to plug in there and lengthen this lineup.
At the very least, he probably wouldn’t cost them one of their top shelf prospects right now, would give Oakland salary relief for the rest of the year, and could make the Mets better right now assuming he’s healthy and stays healthy.
It’s worth watching to see how this situation evolves, regardless of what they say in early June. Things change, and fast, especially if time goes on and they’re still without Wright.
No matter what, demand for Zobrist is likely to be high. In fact, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times expects the Cubs to be interested in Zobrist this summer, and it probably won’t end there assuming the A’s fall out of contention.
Zobrist, 34, is in the final year of a four-year, $18 million contract extension he signed with the Rays in April, 2010. He will earn $7.5 million this year, after which he can become a free agent.
Original post, 7:01 am, update, 7:32 pm
Just Mets 