Just Mets

The Mets offense continues to suffer on a daily basis, but as the Mets continue to shuffle people up and down from the minor leagues and in and out of the lineup, Terry Collins has yet to find any sort of spark as the team’s losses continue to mount.

Sandy Alderson has said on several occasions he is continuing to explore opportunities to acquire offense on the external markets. He has said the preference is to acquire someone who is versatile and able to shift from third base if David Wright returns. However, with Wright out indefinitely and seemingly no guarantee of returning this season, Alderson said earlier this month the team would consider acquiring a true third baseman for the duration of the season.

For now, the plan seems to be to shift Daniel Murphy to third base once he returns from the disabled list – his stronger position. That shouldn’t necessarily preclude the club of acquiring a versatile infielder and someone can play multiple positions in both the infield and outfield.

Such a player who fits that criteria would be Ben Zobrist, and John Harper of the Daily News says the Mets have recently contacted the A’s about the soon-to-be free agent.

However, Harper says there is no indication a deal is close.

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 checks all the boxes for the Mets current needs both offensively and defensively.

With that said, as interest grows in Zobrist, the price in trade could escalate, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports said earlier this month the club feels there are other teams potentially willing to give up more in trade to acquire Zobrist.

Zobrist is by no means a guy who will transform the offense. But, he 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.

Zobrist is hitting .250/.335/.451 with five home runs and 26 RBI in 41 games for the A’s this season. He missed about a month after undergoing minor knee surgery at the end of April. He’s hit .321 with three home runs in his last 15 games.