When the Oakland A’s acquired Ben Zobrist from the Tampa Bay Rays, it seemed like a perfect fit for him. He was a Billy Beane type of player. He played multiple positions – both infield and outfield, posted a consistently solid OBP and could be slotted anywhere in the lineup.
Now, just 1/3 through his first season with the A’s, Zobrist may have a new home soon.
The A’s have floundered early on their way to a 23-34 record, the worst in the AL West, and they’re reportedly looking to move some of their veteran bats including “Zorilla.”
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote the Yankees are interested in acquiring Zobrist’s services.
The Yankees are interested in Ben Zobrist, which should surprise no one considering their second-base issues. They are surprised that Jose Pirela hasn’t performed since his promotion, and Stephen Drew’s batting average remains oddly low again. Yankees people think Rob Refnsyder can hit at the big-league level now, but his defense remains a little rough. Of course, as an A’s person said, “There will be many teams interested in Zobrist
Heyman’s report is correct, as Ken Rosenthal tweeted another team – the Washington Nationals – were also interested in acquiring him.
Sources: #Nationals have contacted #Athletics about Zobrist. Talks preliminary. Zobrist could play LF until Werth returns, then both IF/OF.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 5, 2015
The qualifier: #Nationals one of many teams that will call on #Athletics’ Zobrist, whose versatility makes him a fit for almost every club.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 5, 2015
As Rosenthal mentioned, Zobrist’s versatility makes him desirable to every team in the league.
He’s struggled with the A’s so far this season.
He missed a month with injury, which hasn’t helped him at the plate this season. He’s hit only two home runs, while posting a career low .222 batting average. While it’s a small sample size of 23 games, his offensive numbers have been pedestrian. Injuries are likely bringing things down. The A’s offense hasn’t been awful either – so his numbers aren’t being impacted by his teammates.
Zobrist is 34-years-old and showing signs of age – that’s natural. He’s also a free agent at the end of the season, and if the team is out of contention, unless Beane had intentions of keeping him, it would be silly to let him walk for nothing in a lost season.
Despite his bat slowing down, his value defensively is still apparent. He’s appeared in all three outfield spots, while also playing some second base. He hasn’t yet played shortstop, but with Marcus Semien appearing regularly at that spot, there hasn’t been a need for him to play there. Hypothetically, any team that acquires Zobrist can put him almost anywhere on the field. He’s played everywhere on the diamond except for catcher in his career.
The Yankees speculation makes sense. The team is dealing with injuries in it’s outfield, and Zobrist could come in and help them out. The team has also seen struggles from it’s infield, particularly Stephen Drew – who some how inexplicably keeps getting decent paydays – and Didi Gregorious at second and shortstop respectively. How long can the Yankees ride the two before they make an upgrade. With the AL East so wide open, and the Yankees maintaining a small lead in the division, now seems the time to strike a deal. Zobrist may even come at a reduced cost given his injuries and struggles.
As Rosenthal mentions, the Nationals acquiring Zobrist would create balance after losing Jayson Werth to a fractured wrist. The club may have high hopes for Michael Taylor, but he’s scuffled at the plate, and as a team looking to contend, acquiring Zobrist would give them a solid Zobrist/Span/Harper outfield. When Werth’s ready to come back, Zobrist wouldn’t have to be buried on the bench. The move would make sense for the club, but the team may ride it out and see if Taylor can step it up.
Those are only two of the many potential trade partners for Zobrist. There’s sure to be a long list of teams looking to acquire his services should he become available.
It’s not a certainty he will be dealt, but if the A’s continue to struggle, they’re like to sell everything that’s not shackled down – including him.
