NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From July 31 through Oct. 21, the Mets went on an epic roll, perhaps the best one in franchise history. They nailed every move, caught every break and passed every test.
Then the World Series started six days later, and, the opposite happened.
If the Mets can successfully complete their pursuit of Ben Zobrist, then you’ll have reason to think the Fall Classic, rather than the 11-plus weeks that preceded it, was the aberration.
What appeared a long shot a month ago now looks like a strong bet. The Mets’ brass met Monday with Zobrist’s representatives Scott Pucino and Bobby Witt at the Winter Meetings, and while the Mets technically didn’t offer a fourth year to Zobrist, they indicated a willingness to go there.
That’s what it will take to secure the services of Zobrist, who has been impressed by the Mets’ recruitment of him.
Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, who will make the final call with his father, Fred, and uncle Saul Katz whether to stretch to four years, briefly was in the room for the meeting, as was manager Terry Collins, who could get together with Zobrist when he stops by the Gaylord Opryland on Tuesday to speak with MLB Network. Earlier Tuesday, Zobrist will huddle with Nationals officials at an off-campus location.
This all points toward a decision by the time the meetings conclude Thursday, and the Mets have cause to feel optimistic. Just like their magical run, in addition to operating effectively, they are catching some breaks — against some of the same foes they met along the way.
The Nationals, the team that melted down and enabled the Mets to capture the National League East with a modest 90 wins, have to answer questions about their clubhouse culture that came to light when Jonathan Papelbon choked Bryce Harper in the team’s dugout Sept. 27.
Although the team partly addressed that by firing manager Matt Williams and replacing him with veteran skipper Dusty Baker, it would be natural for Zobrist to wonder what sort of situation he’s entering.
The Dodgers, whom the Mets outlasted in the memorable NL Division Series, have only lurked on the periphery of the Zobrist sweepstakes; their president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman knows Zobrist extremely well from their time together in Tampa Bay. They could strike late, although it’s getting late on this one.
Zobrist played for Cubs manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay, and Chicago is a short flight from Nashville, where Zobrist lives. So the Cubs, whom the Mets swept in the NL Championship Series, could have been major players for Zobrist. They have passed, though, due to their surplus of young infielders.
The Royals, who of course defeated the Mets in heartbreaking fashion for the World Series title, loved Zobrist for the three months they employed him. However, their focus turned to their starting rotation and iconic free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon.
The other club seriously involved, the Giants, want Zobrist to be their everyday left fielder. That doesn’t rule them out altogether, but Zobrist prefers his primary position to be second base, which works for the Mets.
If the Mets can sign their top target Zobrist, whom they like for his switch hitting, his approach at the plate, his defensive versatility and his personality, then they can placate an understandably skeptical fan base and spend the rest of their winter working on lesser issues: Strengthening the bullpen (including a possible renewal of vows with Bartolo Colon) and finding a lefty-hitting center fielder.
Their offense obviously would take two hits with the departures of free agents Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy, yet you could look at a Mets lineup featuring Zobrist, Michael Conforto around all season, and Travis d’Arnaud, Juan Lagares and David Wright healthier and believe that could capably support what should be a stellar starting rotation.
Not everything will go right next season. Maybe not even Zobrist if he comes. At the moment, though, a Mets signing of Zobrist would be a sign that their mojo has returned.