New York Mets long-time second baseman Daniel Murphy officially parted ways with the team when he declined to sign the $15.8 million qualifying offer before the Nov. 13 deadline. According to ESPN, the Mets are very interested in signing recent World Series winner and utility player Ben Zobrist to a contract.

The report noted that Mets officials held a conference call with Zobrist, showing legitimate interest in the player. Tim Rohan of The New York Times added that representatives of Zobrist met with the Mets' general manager during the annual general manager meetings in Florida.

Rohan also mentions that about 10 teams are reportedly interested in the versatile second baseman. Zobrist is looking to play for a contending team and wants a four-year contract. ESPN projected that he will likely receive a three-year, $48 million deal while The New York Daily News says that the 34-year-old may command a contract of at least three to four years worth around $40 million to $50 million.

The Mets are said to be interested in Zobrist because of his versatility that can fill many of the team's holes in the infield, particularly at second base and as insurance at third if David Wright misses time again due to his back problems, per NJ Advance Media Group.

The longtime Tampa Bay Rays player batted a solid .276 this season with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs while splitting time with the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals in 2015, per Baseball Reference. Zobrist was a vital part in the lineup and in defense of the Royals playoff run that culminated with a World Series win against the same Mets team that is trying to sign him.

However, in a report by CBS Sports, the Mets are going to be tight on salary as usual and will have a hard time offering a big contract to the 34-year-old player. They have less expensive options at second base such as top prospect Dilson Herrera and Wilmer Flores. The latter is currently pencilled in as the team's shortstop because Ruben Tejada is recuperating from a broken leg suffered in the NLDS.

According to Bleacher Report, the St. Louis Cardinals have also expressed interest in signing the free agent. The Royals are also thinking of re-signing him to a new deal along with Alex Gordon.