The Oakland Athletics are engaged in “deep” discussion for utility player Ben Zobrist, according to Jane Lee of MLB.com.
Oakland has already traded away Scott Kazmir and Tyler Clippard in recent days, and Zobrist looks to be the next player on the move. The A’s will most likely be able to receive a decent prospect in return for the versatile Zobrist. Oakland is currently ranked 23rd in our farm system rankings.
The 34-year-old will draw a lot of interest in the next few days, with his ability to play multiple positions and his very affordable salary of $7.5 million this year (he will be a free agent after the season).
The two-time All-Star was traded by the Rays to Oakland in January and now looks to be on the move again. He’s hitting a slash of .268/.354/.447 with six homers and 33 RBIs in 271 plate appearances this season. The switch-hitter is one of the best in the game at getting on base and hasn’t had an OBP under .339 since 2007.
The Royals, Pirates, Nationals, Cubs, Mets and the Yankees all could be potential suitors. The Mets look to be out of the running after adding Clippard yesterday, but could still look to add another offensive piece as they make a run at the playoffs.
Zobrist has been traded to the Royals.
