Mets still unlikely to go four years for Ben Zobrist

The Mets have not been shy in their pursuit of free agent Ben Zobrist, whose versatility and bat would be welcome additions to the team. But Adam Rubin of ESPN reports that if Zobrist wants a four-year contract, the Mets would likely pass on signing him. Rubin writes that the team would be more active in its attempt to find a platoon partner for Juan Lagares in center field if it were to fail to acquire an everyday middle infielder this offseason.

If signed, Zobrist would theoretically be the Mets' starting second baseman and fill in at several other positions if necessary. A switch-hitter who has played every non-catcher/pitcher position over the course of his career, Zobrist would be replacing Daniel Murphy, a player with a relatively similar offensive profile, but less defensive flexibility.

Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal reported that Zobrist is the Mets' top target and that the team would have to compete with the Nationals, Giants, and Braves, among others, to sign him. We profiled Zobrist's free agency a couple of weeks ago.