With Zack Greinke still mulling over his free-agent options, plenty of attention has been given to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ interest in re-signing the 32 year old.
While the Dodgers certainly appear to be involved in the Greinke sweepstakes, their search for a second baseman isn’t nearly as clear.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously indicated the club would be comfortable with internal options Kiké Hernandez and Jose Peraza.
Friedman reiterated that stance on Tuesday when speaking after the team’s introductory press conference for manager Dave Roberts. Outside of Howie Kendrick, there aren’t many viable free-agent options available.
That being said, one candidate may be Ben Zobrist. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Dodgers are among the teams involved with the super utility man:
The #Mets, #Nationals, #Dodgers, #SFGiants are all in mix for Zobrist. Andrew Friedman is a big Zobrist fan from Tampa days.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 2, 2015
It was previously reported the Dodgers were not one of several teams to express an interest in Zobrist.
Zobrist, who will turn 35 years old in May, hit .284/.364/.453 with a .354 wOBA, 124 wRC+, seven home runs, 16 doubles and 23 RBIs over 59 games with the Kansas City Royals.
Prior to getting traded, he hit .268/.354/.447 with a .345 wOBA, 122 wRC+, six home runs, 20 doubles and 33 RBIs over 67 games as a member of the Oakland Athletics.
Zobrist played second and third base, and left and right field last season. He made his Major-League debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006 and spent the first nine seasons of his career with the franchise.
Howie Kendrick returning with the Dodgers isn’t believed to to be out of the question, but there’s been little to suggest serious contract talks have been, or are being held.
Kendrick, 32, hit .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs, 54 RBIS and a 109 wRC+ in 117 games. He reportedly is seeking at least a four-year contract. Kenrick will turn 33 years old in July.
