With the Oakland Athletics owning the American League’s worst record, they can start going into sell mode as trading season picks up. Utilityman Ben Zobrist is one of their best trade chips and is starting to attract attention around the league.
Continue for updates.
Nationals Asking About Zobrist
Friday, June 5
According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Washington Nationals have called the Athletics about Zobrist as a potential replacement for Jayson Werth:
Zobrist’s positional versatility would fit well in Washington, which also needs help at shortstop and protection in case players who have had injury problems in the past, such as Anthony Rendon or Ryan Zimmerman, get hurt.
However, Rosenthal also noted the Nationals aren’t going to be alone if/when the Athletics dive into trade discussions for Zobrist:
Even though he has gotten off to a slow start this season, hitting .222/.304/.383 in 23 games while missing one month with a knee injury, there may not be a more sought-after trade chip this summer because he can play so many positions and is making a reasonable $7.5 million salary.
Because of Zobrist’s versatility and salary, Oakland general manager Billy Beane can dangle him to the highest bidder without worrying it won’t come. There are going to be a lot of teams buying at the deadline because there are currently 26 clubs either in the playoffs or within 5.5 games of a playoff spot.
The A’s have had a disastrous 2015 season, made worse by injuries to key players like Zobrist, but Beane should be able to cash in some of those chips before July 31 to help rebuild the system.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com