Royals Rumors: Royals Optimistic About Re-Signing Ben Zobrist
As the off-season progresses, more Royals rumors are circulating. Ben Zobrist continues to be one of the main names being discussed when it comes to the Kansas City Royals and free agency.
Ben Zobrist joined the team in late July when Alex Gordon was injured and Omar Infante struggled on offense. Could Zobrist be the Royals‘ biggest priority this off-season?
Well, the answer to that is yes, according to Jordan Freemyer of MLB Daily Dish, and also according to Jerry Crasnick on Twitter.
#Royals officials privately more optimistic about keeping Ben Zobrist than teams' other big free agents -- Gordon or Cueto.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 10, 2015
Freemyer writes,
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"A 34-year-old, Zobrist would require less of a long-term commitment from Kansas City than would the younger Gordon or Cueto. He also provides positional flexibility, having played second base, third base and both corner outfield spots in 2015."
This is all very true. There is virtually no chance that Johnny Cueto rejoins the Royals in 2016 and beyond, as he is poised for a big contract.
It’s also very likely that long time Royal Alex Gordon departs this off-season as well. Gordon is one of the best left fielders in the league,and the Royals simply won’t be able to afford to give him the type of deal he deserves.
Re-signing Ben Zobrist would not be a disappointing move at all though. He gelled well with this team and helped them make it to, and ultimately win, the World Series. He was easily one of the biggest pieces on this team throughout the playoffs and it’s safe to say the Kansas City Royals wouldn’t have gone as far as they did without Zobrist.
Remember in Game 5 of the ALDS when he timed the jump just right to get a huge out against the Astros? Yeah, that was fun.
Freemyer continues,
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"After joining the Royals at the trade deadline, Zobrist hit .284/.364/.453 with seven home runs in 59 games. Combined with his numbers from Oakland, he hit .276/.359/.450 with 13 home runs in 467 at bats in 2015. He also hit .303/.365/.515 for the Royals in the postseason."
The only problem with keeping Zobrist is that his versatility on the field will make him a popular target with other teams. Zobrist can play nearly every position on the diamond and that’s why Dayton Moore went out and got him during the trade deadline.
Zobrist spent most of his time at second base due to Infante’s struggles and later being placed on the DL. He also saw time in left field during Gordon’s stint on the DL and at third base as well. All teams could use a guy like Ben Zobrist and that’s what will make him so much more appealing during the off-season.
Next: Mike Pelfrey is an Option For Royals Rotation
Hopefully Zobrist decides he wants to remain in Kansas City because it’ll be a rough off-season for the boys in blue if they lose both him and Alex Gordon to other teams.