Ben Zobrist agrees to sign with Chicago Cubs

Ben Zobrist has agreed to terms on a four-year, $56 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to a baseball official with direct knowledge of the agreement. The person spoke to Paste BN Sports on condition of anonymity because the signing was not yet official.

Zobrist, 34, was considered the most versatile and among the most valuable free agent targets this off-season, and he was also in deep negotiations with the New York Mets and, to a lesser degree, Washington Nationals.

His signing expedited a trade of second baseman Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees, according to multiple reports. In return, the Cubs received right-handed pitcher Adam Warren and a player to be named later and shed $38 million owed to Castro through 2019.

Meanwhile, Zobrist's versatility will play very well in Chicago; the Cubs were reduced to playing catcher Kyle Schwarber in left field during the playoffs. Zobrist, in theory, could toggle between second base and the outfield as the Cubs divide at-bats between Schwarber, catcher Miguel Montero and another infielder, Javier Baez - who may also land on the trade block.

Zobrist's agreement with the Cubs was first reported by Fox Sports.

Zobrist has a career .355 on-base percentage and saw his career revived under current Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who made him into a super utility player with the Tampa Bay Rays.

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