The New York Mets are “pretty optimistic” that they will be able to sign Ben Zobrist, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com.
The apparent finalists for Zobrist appear to be the Mets, Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants. The Giants, however, would have Zobrist play mainly as an outfielder and he has made it clear that he wants to play second base, so it is likely down to the Nationals and Mets, barring a late entry to the Zobrist sweepstakes by another team.
Zobrist, 34, is one of the most coveted free agents on the open market and figures to land the four-year deal that he seeks.
One issue that may prevent the Mets from signing Zobrist: The fourth year. There were reports that the team would be willing to give him four-years, however Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets have only offered Zobrist three-years.
In 126 games played last season with the Mets and Oakland Athletics, Zobrist hit .276 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI.
Follow Robert Murray on Twitter: @RobertMurrayBBE.
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