Ben Zobrist expected to agree to a deal within 48 hours

Free agent infielder and outfielder Ben Zobrist is expected to agree to a deal within 48 hours, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. 

Zobrist has received interest from plenty of teams around the league due to his versatility, but the Giants, Nationals, Dodgers, and Mets appear to be the final four teams left in play. 

Zobrist is likely holding up the decisions of many free agent infielders. Other players are probably waiting for him to make a decision before they commit to a team, seeing how he sets the tone for the market.

While he is aging, Zobrist should be able to command a high annual average value in his next contract, due to his bat and good defense at many different positions. MLBTradeRumors.com predicted Zobrist would sign a three-year, $51 million deal. 

All four teams could use Zobrist in many different ways, but it appears that he wants to be utilized most at second base, according to Morosi, which could really put the Mets and Nationals at the top of his list. 

For what it is worth, the Nationals GM Mike Rizzo noted in his meeting session today at the Winter Meetings in Nashville that he viewed Zobrist as a second baseman. 

Zobrist would like to make a decision before the Winter Meetings conclude on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweeted. 

Last season, the 34-year-old Zobrist hit .276/.359/.450 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 535 plate appearances with the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics. 

Follow @DevanFink on Twitter for more up-to-the-minute updates as the Winter Meetings unfold. 

--Devan Fink