A look at the future of Todd Frazier
On July 19th, Todd
Frazier joined the Yankees, along with David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle. From
then on, the entire team changed. Frazier brought stability to third base,
which in turn pushed Chase Headley to first base, where Headley became one of
the Yankees’ more consistent hitters in the second half of the season. However,
Frazier’s biggest contribution to the team was his clubhouse presence, most
notably the thumbs-down rally symbol. Frazier helped bring the team
together, but there is a major possibility that he will not wear pinstripes in
2018 due to his free agency. There are essentially two options that Frazier
has: signing with another club, or resigning with the Yankees.
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| Adam Hunger / USA Today |
Signing with another club
In terms of a contract, signing
with another team would be Frazier’s best option. With Gleyber Torres and
Miguel Andujar waiting in the minors, and Chase Headley, Tyler Wade, and Ronald
Torreyes already on the roster as third base options, Frazier doesn’t exactly
have a guaranteed spot on the team. The Yankees would offer him a one-year
deal, and maybe two years at most. After his solid 2017 season, there are
probably other teams in MLB that would be willing to give Frazier a three-year
deal. The Yankees don’t have that luxury. At least one of the names mentioned
above would have to be traded or released, and that doesn’t seem very likely
given the youth movement, and Headley’s contract.
Resigning with the Yankees
The breakout of thumbs-down signals
during the second half of the season helped Frazier become one of the most
liked players on the team. Who wouldn’t like to see him back in 2018? He could
hold over third base until Torres or Andujar are ready, along with playing
first base to spell Greg Bird and possibly DHing. It seems like a win-win
situation. Frazier openly spoke about how much he loved his time in New York as
well, and that he would be interested in returning. If I’m the Yankees, I’m
trying to figure out any way possible to bring him back. His presence would
only help this team.
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| Abbie Parr / Getty Images |
Overall, the best option would be
for Frazier to be in a Yankee uniform next season. However, it’s not as easy as
it seems. Unless the Yankees manage to trade Chase Headley and the remaining
$13 million on his contract, it would be hard to find a place for Frazier. The
team survived the second half with both of them on the roster, but in order to
further the youth movement, Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar need to play in
the major leagues at some point. However, the positives of having Frazier and
his incredible clubhouse presence make the process of making this happen worth
it. Here’s to hoping Frazier returns, but don’t be surprised if he ends up
elsewhere.
Article by: Alex Weir
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