Mariners Analysis: 5 Players the M’s Should Target in Trades

Jun 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) at bat during the 4th inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Zobrist, UTL Oakland Athletics

Ben Zobrist can play all over the diamond. He also has a lifetime .780 OPS, and Zobrist has at least a .700 OPS when batting in the first three spots in the lineup.

Zobrist also has some pop to go along with his productive stats. He has hit 20+ home runs three times in his career. This year he has struggled with injuries, which may make him cheaper. He is a smart hitter. He can get the runner over or get the sac fly RBI (he led the AL in sac flies in 2010).

He is one of the most versatile players in the big leagues. Zobrist has played at least 50 games in left field, right field, second base and shortstop. He will make any roster better when he is healthy. He is reliable. Heading into this season, he has a string of 6 straight seasons of playing at least 146 games.

He would be a good bat to add to the M’s lineup, but it seems as if the Nationals will snatch him up first. Also working against Seattle is the fact that the A’s likely won’t want to trade within the division.

Next: Starlin Castro