New York Yankees Not In on Ben Zobrist

As a veteran ball player with a World Series Title on his resume and a ton of versatility, free agent Ben Zobrist will certainly have a significant level of interest throughout the winter. However, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, the early indications are that the Yankees will not be in on the 34-year old.

"“According to industry sources, the Yankees aren’t willing to spend as much as Zobrist likely will receive on the market, even if he does fill a need in the infield and is a switch hitter, Davidoff said.”"

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as many viewed Zobrist as a perfect-fit in the Bronx. With Stephen Drew gone by the wayside and the questionable second base platoon of Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley, Ben Zobrist certainly would have been an upgrade for the New York Yankees. Also, given his versatility, Zobrist could have played shortstop to give Didi Gregorius a day off and spell Carlos Beltran out in outfield when he needed his regular rest.

However, according to Davidoff, Zobrist could command as much as a four-year deal worth over $60 million. He’s in line for the first significant pay increase of his career since breaking into the league in 2009 with the Tampa Bay Rays, and thanks to the costly salaries of veterans like Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia, the Yankees are in no position to dish out $20 million per year on a second baseman.

Of course, nothing is written in stone, but barring any further trades, it looks as if Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley will be playing second base for the Yankees in 2016 and beyond – not Ben Zobrist.

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