New York Mets

Report: Mets, A's have been in talks regarding Ben Zobrist

Published Jun. 24, 2015 4:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the trade deadline nears closer, the New York Mets have reportedly been talking to the Oakland A's about working out a deal to acquire utility man Ben Zobrist.

The New York Daily News reports that the teams have been engaged in talks concerning Zobrist but that it's uncertain whether a trade will actually result.

"Sources on both sides say the two teams have talked about Zobrist, who can be a free agent after the season, but there is no indication they're close to making a trade," the report reads.

The switch-hitting 34-year-old would offer some stability to the Mets, particularly as uncertainty looms concerning the future of third baseman David Wright.

In the event that Wright is able to return at the All-Star break as the Mets are hoping, manager Terry Collins could potentially field Zobrist at nearly any position, which would give the injury-plagued team a sense of security as they make a playoff push in what has been an anemic NL East so far this season.

"It won't take Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz to get Zobrist, but it probably will take a couple of good prospects, especially since other teams will have interest moving closer to the trade deadline," the report notes.

In 40 games this season, Zobrist is hitting .250/.333/.457 with five home runs and 26 RBI.

The veteran, who spent all nine of his prior seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, has been hot at the plate for the A's lately, boosting his average up 48 points in the past ten days, going 13-for-35 with three homers and 10 RBI.

(h/t New York Daily News)