The San Francisco Giants and Ben Zobrist have mutual interest in one another -- but preference will likely prevent them from linking up this offseason.
The Giants have been mentioned as a potential contender to land the switch-hitting free agent, and reports indicate that Zobrist enjoyed a recent visit he paid to San Francisco, but there's a major obstacle to Zobrist wearing orange and black next season:
Zobrist has expressed that his preference is to play second base in 2016, and the Giants want to sign him as a left fielder.
With All-Star Joe Panik cemented in at second base and the Giants in need of a left fielder after declining an option on Nori Aoki, it appears as though there's little chance Zobrist will be calling San Francisco home in the 2016 season.
From the sound of it, San Francisco's front office is focusing on other free-agent candidates who can fill their needs.
"I think we provide an attraction," Giants general manager Bobby Evans said. "There are other options for us, there are other options for him, so he'll just have to make a determination as to what his priority is."
With the Oakland A's and World Series-champion Kansas City Royals last season, the 34-year-old utility man hit .276/.359/.450 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.