UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs have jumped into the discussion and have perhaps disrupted the Nationals' efforts.
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UPDATE: The Mets and Nationals still remain the favorites and it was reported Zobrist has a a four-year, $80 million offer on the table. However, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says there's "no way" Zobrist has such an offer in hand.
Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News and FOX Sports' Jon Morosi say a decision could come as early as this evening.
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Ben Zobrist is one of the hottest names in free agency due to his versatility and the fact that he's coming off a World Series run with the Kansas City Royals. A number of MLB teams were initially in the running for the veteran, but that's not longer the case.
The latest rumors suggest Zobrist is "focused on" the New York Mets, Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants, according FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. However, as previously noted, Zobrist prefers to play second base, which puts the Mets and Nats atop the pack.
FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reported earlier today that Zobrist is expected to make his decision within the next 48 hours.
It is believed the Mets have made Zobrist their top priority in free agency and have had numerous meetings with the veteran in an attempt to convince him he'd have a "semi-regular position," which seemingly means he'd be at second base most of the time and then secondarily used wherever else the team may need him.
"The theme around the Mets remains 'Zobrist first, everything else later,' writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "Once the Mets have a resolution on their top free-agent target, they can move rapidly ahead on other measures."
As for the Nationals, they have a full infield, so it's unknown how Zobrist feels about his chances of being an everyday second baseman in Washington. Unless the Nats were to move Yunel Escobar in the very near future, which has been among the many offseason rumors, then Zobrist might prefer the Mets at this point.
However, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo told reporters that he sees Zobrist's best fit at second base for Washington.
San Francisco always remains an interesting destination for free agents due to the team's success in recent years, but their infield is also full and Joe Panik is the everyday starter at second. The Giants have a vacancy in left field and probably feel Zobrist would be a good fit out there, but they may have to look elsewhere.
Then again, this has already been a wildly unpredictable offseason and Zobrist could be coaxed by other factors at the last minute that may supersede his preference to play second base.