Mets remain interested in Ben Zobrist, but at what price?

Ben Zobrist figures to be one of the first prominent free agents off the board this winter, no surprise given his long line of potential suitors.

As a result, the Mets have maintained a steady dialogue with Zobrist's representatives, according to an industry source. Club officials have had multiple conversations with the utilityman's agents, including some dialogue on Wednesday.

However, despite their interest level, it remains unclear whether the Mets are willing to get into a potential bidding war for his services. There is little indication that the team will significantly raise payroll even after winning their first pennant in 15 years.

Though he's 34, Zobrist could fetch a four-year deal in the area of $40 million to $50 million. That's also roughly the range that Daniel Murphy could find now that he's on the open market. However, the Mets have made it clear that they have little appetite for such a commitment, at least with Murphy.

During the regular season, Murphy left the door open for the Mets to negotiate a long-term extension well before he reached the market. Talks never took place.

Murphy's likely departure now that he has reached free agency is the reason why Zobrist could prove to be a fit.

The switch hitter batted .276 with a .359 on-base percentage this season. His hitting approach is in lockstep with the Mets' organizational philosophy, a reason he had been on the team's radar leading up to the July trade deadline.

After his trade from the A's in July, Zobrist helped propel the Royals to the American League pennant and a victory over the Mets in the World Series.

But Zobrist's real value is in his defensive versatility. While the bulk of his action came at second base, he's also capable of playing leftfield, right and third base.

That kind of versatility would make Zobrist an insurance policy for third baseman David Wright, who must manage spinal stenosis next season.

Zobrist has been successful against southpaws, making him a candidate to spell rightfielder Curtis Granderson or first baseman Lucas Duda against tough lefthanded pitching.