At 34 years old Ben Zobrist helped the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series championship since 1985. He'll be rewarded in free agency as rumors indicate "as many as 20 MLB teams" are interested in signing the veteran.
The Royals are hoping to keep Zobrist on board for 2016 and beyond, but the market could price him out of their desired range, especially with a growing need for utility players across the MLB.
Zobrist's potential contract varies in predictions from experts. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports projects a four-year, $60 million deal for the veteran; ESPN's Jim Bowden believes he'll get $48 million over three years; and Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com thinks Zobrist will sign a three-year, $51 million contract.
With those predictions, where will Zobrist land in 2016?
3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals recently checked in on Zobrist and would like to use him as an "uber-utility player," according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, Zobrist prefers to mostly play second base.
With that being said, I think there's a good chance the Cards can convince him to undertake a full-time utility role because they're one of the best teams in the MLB and arguably give him the best chance to win another World Series.
St. Louis has Kolten Wong as their everyday second baseman, but the team could use Zobrist in the outfield if they decide to move Stephen Piscotty to first base. Whatever the case, manager Mike Matheny will find a way to incorporate Zobrist into the lineup on a daily basis.
2. New York Mets
The Mets have been one of the teams consistently checking in with Zobrist's representation likely because the imminent departure of Daniel Murphy leaves them with less versatility on their roster. Although Murphy's defense has clearly declined over the years, he was able to play second and third base, which proved valuable when David Wright missed most of 2015 with spinal stenosis.
Zobrist would likely get his wish in New York and mostly play second base, but it's unknown if the Mets will meet his asking price (if the projections are correct). The Mets have other needs and it doesn't seem likely they'd sink $40-$50 million on a 34-year-old veteran after losing two middle-of-the-order bats in Murphy and Yoenis Cespedes.
However, the Mets also expressed interest in Zobrist prior to the trade deadline, so their pursuit could be real, especially if the Wilpons approve a payroll increase.
1. Washington Nationals
I have a feeling the Nationals are going to trade Yunel Escobar while they can still get value for him - something they didn't do with Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann or Doug Fister prior to this year's non-waiver deadline. They'll likely get first-round draft picks when Desmond and Zimmermann sign elsewhere, but Escobar could get them MLB-ready talent.
(Escobar had an excellent campaign in 2015 and is signed on for $7 million in 2016 and has a $7 million team option for 2017.)
If they move him there will be a vacancy at second base, which is where Zobrist comes in. Before trading for Escobar last offseason, the Nats expressed interest in Zobrist. They've checked in on him this offseason as well.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this week that Washington is looking for a left-handed hitting infielder and outfielder and that the team is interested in Zobrist.
The Nats need to patch up some spots on their roster to avoid another disastrous campaign and Zobrist gives them a versatile veteran option who could also provide leadership in the clubhouse.
General manager Mike Rizzo needs to make up for the team's underperformance this past season, so don't be surprised if he makes some significant moves before 2016.
