You can officially rule out a Todd Frazier reunion in the Bronx.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the soon-to-be 32 year old has agreed to a two-year deal worth $17 million with the crosstown rival Mets. The deal is pending a physical.
It’s unclear if the Yankees made a formal offer to Frazier, but he likely wanted a guaranteed second year, and perhaps the Yankees were only comfortable offering one year with an option.
#Mets in agreement with free-agent 3B Todd Frazier on two-year, $17M contract, sources tell The Athletic. Pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 6, 2018
In case you haven’t heard, Frazier grew up in Toms River, N.J., as a big Paul O’Neill fan, and even stood next to Derek Jeter as a little leaguer!
Frazier was a key member of the 2017 Yankees, as he became a true clubhouse leader and fan favorite with his thumbs-down gimmick. Between the White Sox and Yankees, Frazier hit .213 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI. In the playoffs, Frazier went 8-for-43 (.186) with a homer and 5 RBI.
With spring training set to begin, it appears the Yankees are willing to let Miguel Andujar fight for the 3B spot. Danny Espinosa, who recently signed a minor league deal with the club, could also vie for the job, as well as Jace Peterson, Tyler Wade, Ronald Torreyes, and even possibly Gleyber Torres, although he seems more suited for 2B. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on free agent Mike Moustakas, who could sign a one-year deal in a weak market with the hopes of testing free agency next winter.
The Yankees have been linked to Manny Machado, but the Orioles are expected to slot him in at shortstop to begin the season, and a blockbuster deal within the AL East seems extremely far-fetched.
But with camp opening up next week, don’t be surprised if Cashman has a few surprises up his sleeve. Remember, he said he was content with Nick Swisher manning 1B in 2009 before he swooped in and stole Mark Teixeira away from the Red Sox.
