In an interview with Matt Ehalt of The Record, New York Mets third baseman Todd Frazier spoke in depth regarding his role in 2019, his feelings on the Jed Lowrie signing, and his high expectations for this year’s ball club.
After experiencing somewhat of a down year (.213/.303/.390, 18 homers, 59 RBI, 95 OPS+ rating in 472 plate appearances) while dealing with hamstring and rib cage muscle injuries last season, Frazier appears ready to turn the page and get back to work.
“I’m in good shape and ready to go. I’m in a good place right now,” Frazier told Ehalt. “If I’m where I need to be [health-wise], I’m a good player and I know it.”
Amid the fair share of turnover on this Mets roster since Brodie Van Wagenen — Frazier’s former agent — took over as the organization’s general manager, the 32-year-old Toms River, New Jersey native told Ehalt he “never had an inkling that [Van Wagenen] would trade me”.
Once the team dealt for Lowrie, 34, many believed the next logical step in the Mets’ offseason would be to explore a deal to move Frazier, who will be a free agent after playing out the final year of his two-year, $17 million deal this upcoming season (he’ll make $9 million in 2019).
But with Lowrie slated to spend time all over the field, and no assurances that Peter Alonso will seamlessly slide into his being-kept-warm spot at first base, Frazier clearly sees the opportunity in front of him here in Queens.
“Figure they’ll move a bunch of us around the diamond. I like it over there [at first base] a lot. I’m one of the true first basemen we have […]. I don’t mind it at all,” he said. “As long as it gives us a chance to win the game, I want to do what helps.”
Todd Frazier also appears to be quite pleased with the additions Van Wagenen has made this offseason in the aforementioned Lowrie (“I couldn’t be happier he’s on the squad”) and Robinson Cano (when speaking of turning double plays with Cano, Frazier said, “That’s going to be cool”), as well as the way this roster has been rebuilt.
“Brodie did a good job [bringing in versatile players] so we can all move around and […] play [fewer] games than usual. That helps you stay healthy,” Frazier said. “You look at us on paper [and] we’re a pretty darn good team,” he said. “I’ll be honest with you, I can’t wait to see the batting order […]. I’m pretty excited.”
As are we, Todd. Check out the whole article (link above); it’s a fun read.
