San Francisco Giants Trade Rumors: Would Ben Zobrist Be a Good Fit?
The San Francisco Giants have had a fairly quiet offseason, but their name has started to show up in trade rumors again, as they reportedly are interested in acquiring Tampa Bay Rays infielder Ben Zobrist.
The Giants were previously interested in Zobrist at the 2014 MLB Trade Deadline, but they weren’t able to pull off a move, which resulted in the call-up and eventual emergence of Joe Panik.
It’s unclear what prospects the Giants might move in order to acquire Zobrist, but according to Bill Baer of NBC Sports, several MLB general managers expect the Giants to make a trade for Zobrist.
Zobrist is the ultimate utility player, which is an extremely valuable asset for any MLB club. He primarily plays second base, but he also has lots of experience playing shortstop and right field too. Last season, he logged innings at second base, shortstop, left field, center field, right field, and as a designated hitter.
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Acquiring Zobrist wouldn’t mean that the Giants would demote Panik and start Zobrist over him at second base. He probably wouldn’t see a lot of time at shortstop or right field either, given the fact that the Giants already have two proven starters at those positions, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence.
However, Zobrist would give the Giants some much-needed depth, he could provide spot starts for Panik, Crawford, or new Giant Casey McGehee, and he could also “platoon” with Gregor Blanco in left field. Zobrist could also potentially be the primary starting left fielder, which would make Blanco the fourth outfielder like last season.
Zobrist would also bring experience to the Giants’ clubhouse. He’s played for the Rays for nine seasons, and he’s been to the playoffs in four of those seasons.
The addition of Zobrist would also help make up for the loss of Pablo Sandoval, especially with the addition of McGehee too.
In 2014, Zobrist hit .272 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI. He also had a .354 OBP and .395 slugging percentage. His best season came in 2009 when he hit .297, hit 27 home runs, collected 91 RBI, and had a .948 OPS. For his career, he’s a .264 hitter with a .783 OPS.
Zobrist is a quality player and would be a valuable asset to the Giants. In addition, it’s not likely that the Giants will have to give up a top prospect like Kyle Crick for a player like Zobrist, which will keep the Giants’ depth in their farm system in tact.
What do you think, Giants fans? Would Zobrist be a good fit for this Giants team? Let us know in the comment section below.