The Mets remain interested in acquiring Ben Zobrist from the A’s, who opened the trading season on Tuesday by dealing Scott Kazmir to the Astros for two prospects.
Their interest in Zobrist is to the point the club is willing to, “overpay” to acquire the super-utility and soon-to-be free agent, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Zobrist checks all the boxes for them. He could start at two positions on the infield right now for the Mets, arguably three. He could also arguably start in two outfield positions. He is a solid hitter who can hit for power, and has playoff experience which came during his years in Tampa Bay.
But on Tuesday afternoon, Kristie Ackert of the Daily News said talks between the clubs had progressed to the point the two sides were negotiating over a package of prospects. However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports said there were no on-going discussions between the Mets and A’s regarding Zobrist, and a major league executive told Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record there is, “no chance” the Mets will be acquiring Zobrist.
The sticking point, could be two-fold.
The first issue could be regarding what the Mets are willing to deal the A’s for the veteran super-utility player. According to Andy Martino of the Daily News, the Mets A’s are not interested in acquiring any of Brandon Nimmo, Gavin Cecchini or Michael Fulmer. And since the Mets are unwilling to deal any of their top shelf starting pitching currently in the big leagues, Martino says talks are at a stalemate right now.
But the issue could also involve money, as according to WFAN’s Ed Coleman on Tuesday, there could be reluctance from the Mets to take on the remainder of Zobrist’s $7.5 million salary, which is in the range of about $3 million through the end of the season. That could ultimately be a negotiating tactic, although it’s not totally clear.
In addition, earlier on Tuesday a rival executive told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick the Mets, “want a middle of the order OF bat who isn’t going to cost anything — in terms of dollars or players.”
While Sandy Alderson essentially denied it to be the case on Thursday, the Mets should be experiencing some salary relief thanks to the insurance policy they have on David Wright’s contract to the tune of $6-8 million. There’s no commitment to Zobrist beyond the end of this season, so it would seem to make sense the a Mets could make this acquisition with ease, which would go a long way towards improving this club down the stretch of the season.
And, Zobrist has one of the most reasonable contracts in the game right now, which is partly why up to seven teams have shown interest in Zobrist as the trade deadline approaches, and could be a reason why A’s GM Billy Beane is trying to milk the Mets for a better deal.
In fact, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports said on Friday interest is indeed heavy in Zobrist, so it’s unlikely Oakland will settle on a deal quickly ahead of the deadline.
But if the finances end up being the deal breaker, it’s difficult to see how the Mets can find a quality, everyday upgrade to their offensive and defensive problems around the diamond and compete on the landscape of the current trade market.
Original post, July 23, 11:30 pm, updated July 24, 7:30 am
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