Over the last several weeks, Sandy Alderson has said on several occasions the club is interested in acquiring an infielder in an effort to boost their inconsistent and often sagging offense.
Alderson has said the preference is to acquire someone who is versatile and able to shift from third base once David Wright is ready to return. However, with Wright out indefinitely and seemingly no guarantee of returning this season, Alderson said earlier this week the team would consider acquiring a true third baseman for the duration of the season.
That shouldn’t necessarily preclude the club of acquiring a versatile infielder. They always have the option of shifting Daniel Murphy to third base once he returns from the disabled list – his stronger position – and acquiring an infielder who can start at both middle infield positions.
Such a player who fits that criteria would be Ben Zobrist.
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.
The Mets have expressed some interest in Zobrist, reports Ken Rosenthal FOX Sports, but Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says for whatever reason their interest is isn’t high in the versatile former All-Star right now.
Already, the Yankees, Nationals and Cubs have reported interest in acquiring Zobrist. However, he remains the best fit for the Mets out of any name being connected to the team, as he can play everyday at multiple infield positions and give them options in the outfield as well (which they may need to soon consider), so its perplexing why the Mets wouldn’t be interested in him, considering he can help right now, his contract is modest, and they can let him go at the end of the year as they figure out what’s next with Wright.
With that said, as interest grows in Zobrist, the price in trade could escalate, and Rosenthal said last week the club feels there are other teams potentially willing to give up more in trade to acquire Zobrist.
It’s possible the Mets may need to move one or both of Dillon Gee and Jon Niese, either as a perquisite to acquire offense or in a package for offense. However, Heyman says the Mets goals in a trade for one of their veterans may simply be to acquire roster and payroll flexibility at this point in time.
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