The Mets completed their infield on Monday night, after signing Todd Frazier to a two-year, $17 million contract. Despite the deal not being official yet, Kevin Kernan of the New York Post got thoughts from people in the organization at Port St. Lucie yesterday.
Kernan caught up with Travis d’Arnaud at the field in which he had this to say on the acquisition:
“It’s huge. He’s a solid player, always has been his whole career and I think playing in his hometown, he is going to be fired up. He will be fired up to play every day and try to win every single game. I can’t wait.’’
Frazier had a big impact on the Yankees clubhouse last season and has been known as a fiery guy in his career. Many have lauded him as a great clubhouse presence, including his former teammate, David Robertson, who had this to say about his former teammate at the Thurmon Munson Awards Dinner:
“He’s an exciting guy,” Robertson said at the annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner in Midtown. “He’s got experience playing in big games, especially in the postseason with us last year, so I think he’s gonna bring a lot to the table. I think he’s gonna be a big addition for them.”
That is music to the Mets ears as it is always great to leave a strong reputation with a previous employer. Robertson completely admitted how he felt about Frazier and the strong addition he is for the team.
Mickey Callaway also chimed in with a comment of his own as he said Frazier “is a perfect fit for us.”
While perfect might be a stretch, Frazier is certainly a good fit for the team as he fills a need in the infield and brings a defensive prowess (10 DRS in 2017) that the team has lacked at the hot corner the last few seasons with David Wright injured.
The Mets will certainly hope that the third baseman can fulfill the expectations of these three guys in 2018. The team will certainly be hoping he can bring the same energy he brought to the Yankees last season.
The 31-year old third baseman hit .213/.344/.428 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs in 147 games for the White Sox and Yankees in 2017. Since 2015 he ranks 12th in the Majors with 102 home runs.
