Rays expected to pick up $7.5M option on Zobrist

Both the Tampa Bay Rays and utility-man Ben Zobrist are hoping to continue their relationship.  

"He's been a huge part of our past success, and as I sit here today I expect him to be a large part of our future success," executive vice president Andrew Friedman told the Tampa Bay Times on Tuesday. "A guy like Ben helps our roster in so many different ways."

The 33-year-old Zobrist has spent his entire nine-year career with the Rays and equally expressed his desire to remain in St. Petersburg. 

“Of course,” Zobrist told the Tampa Tribune. “This is all I’ve known in the big leagues, and this my team. This is the team I’ve played for my whole career, so I’m really hoping I get to play again, at least another year in Tampa, get the chance to do something that’s never been done in Tampa before."

The Rays hold a $7.5 million option with a $500,000 buyout for 2015 on the two-time All-Star, who slashed .272/.354/.395 with 10 home runs, 34 doubles and 52 RBI in 146 games.