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Free agent Ben Zobrist has begun his tour of meeting teams interested in him, and he has no shortage of suitors. He traveled to New York today to meet with the Mets, who gave him a full tour of the city.
Sources: Zobrist visited #Mets on Wednesday. Spent day, had dinner with Alderson and J. Wilpon, toured parts of Westchester and Connecticut.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2015
During Ben Zobrist's visit, Mets showed him suburbs in Westchester and Connecticut to demonstrate there is "grass" in NYC area for families.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) December 4, 2015
Tough to compete with "grass" for families. The Mets have also reportedly softened their stance against giving Ben Zobrist a four-year deal.
Sources: Mets have drawn no hard line when it comes to contract length w/Zobrist. So, Mets ready to offer 4th year if that’s what it takes.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 4, 2015
So, yes, Mets being very aggressive with Zobrist. Like him enough to to accept risk of a 4-year deal with a guy who is 34.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 4, 2015
The Dodgers have turned their attention to Chase Utley instead of Ben Zobrist as they look to cut payroll. The Braves are still in, but the Cardinals may be out.
Sources add: #Braves visited Zobrist, who lives in Nashville. #STLCards not in mix.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2015
Up next is a trip to the West Coast for Ben Zobrist, where he'll meet with the Giants.
Sources: Zobrist has two visits remaining, will make a total of four. #Mets were one. #SFGiants likely another. Others not known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2015
Here is what beat writer Andy McCullough said about the Royals and Zobrist in his chat session this afternoon:
Zobrist wants to play second base. The Royals are already paying a good chunk of cash to Omar Infante. Perhaps you can see why I've been writing for weeks that the Royals won't sign him.
There are a lot of smoke screens and false rumors this time of year, but you may want to hold off on buying that Ben Zobrist Royals jersey for now.