Royals Rumors: Re-Signing Ben Zobrist Would Be Huge

Royals rumors will be circulating as the MLB off-season progresses. Former Royals infielder Ben Zobrist is one of the hottest free agents on the market right now.

Sadly, it looks pretty grim for the Kansas City Royals to bring back both Ben Zobrist and Alex Gordon. Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors thinks that Zobrist will eventually sign with the New York Yankees on a three-year $55 million deal. Here’s what Dierkes had to say on the matter,

"Baseball’s Swiss Army knife would fit with more than a dozen teams, as he can handle second base and the outfield corners and even back up at shortstop. Offensively, Zobrist contributes a strong OBP and good pop, plus he’s ineligible for a qualifying offer because he was traded to the Royals. He’ll be vying for a fourth year, and Victor Martinez did get that, but with Zobrist turning 35 in May it’s still a tough sell. He remains a good fit for the Royals, while the Yankees, Orioles, Padres, Astros, and White Sox could also make sense."

Honestly, Zobrist is a good fit for any team because of the versatility he brings. During his short stint with the Royals, Zobrist spent most of his time at second base, but also played in left field and at third base. It makes sense why the Yankees would want him, and everyone knows that they can afford him if they want him.

More from Kansas City Royals

• This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
• The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
• DraftKings + FanDuel Kansas Promos: INSTANT $150 Bonus Plus Two Chances to Win!
• 3 Royals Players Who Won’t Be on the Roster Next Year
• LAST CHANCE to Claim $250 GUARANTEED Bonus With FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!

Zobrist will turn 35 in May, which might make teams skeptical of giving him anything more than a three year deal. I could see the Royals offering him three years at about $40 million, but Zobrist could get more than that, and he should go where the money is.

Ben Zobrist might not have spent much time with the Kansas City Royals, but he was a big piece in getting the Royals to, and eventually winning, the World Series. Zobrist came to Kansas City in late July due to Omar Infante‘s struggles at second base and Alex Gordon’s injury, which left a hole in left field.

While Zobrist only spent a few months playing in Kauffman Stadium, Royals fans would like to see him back in Royal blue next season. For one, he’s a nice guy. Everyone likes rooting for a nice guy on the diamond. Second, he can play literally almost every position. He was a lifesaver in the playoffs, as Infante ended up not playing due to injury.

More from KC Kingdom

• Win $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
• This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
• How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
• The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
• The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule

If Gordon does indeed leave in free agency, the Royals will have holes in both left field and in right field, which could make Zobrist more of a priority for them. Zobrist has stated in the past that he likes it in Kansas City and his wife was chanting “Re-sign! Re-sign!” before the rally started.

Not to mention the couple gave their newborn daughter the middle name Royal. How cute is that?

While all of those are nice, it’s no guarantee that Ben Zobrist dons a Royals uniform next season. He’s a hot commodity on the free agent market. The New York Yankees would be a good landing spot for Zobrist and they’re known to get whoever they want in free agency.

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post predicts Zobrist will re-sign with the Royals for three years and $50 million. If the difference is only five million between what the Yankees offer and what the Royals offer, Zobrist could be back in Kansas City next season.

Next: Could Alex Gordon Re-Sign with Royals?

One thing’s certain though. Alex Gordon is priority number one. If he can’t be re-signed, then the Royals could turn their attention to getting Ben Zobrist back in Royal blue in 2016 and beyond.