Free agent infielder Todd Frazier wants to return to New York, though specifically with the Yankees, the team he rooted for growing up.
“It was insane how great of an environment it was to play in New York, how spectacular the fans were and just how much fun I had,” Frazier said Monday on MLB Network Radio. “I felt like a little kid again. It’d be great to come back to New York.”
The 31-year-old and Toms River, New Jersey native came over to the Yankees midseason after a trade with the Chicago White Sox.
In 66 games with New York, he launched 11 homers and drove in 32 runs while hitting at a .222/.365/.423 clip over 241 plate appearances.
While the Mets have said early on this offseason that they are content with Asdrubal Cabrera starting the season as the team’s third baseman, nothing is set in stone.
If Frazier or another third base option could be had for the right place, I think the Mets would just slot Cabrera in at second.
What makes Frazier appealing is his knack for getting on base while being able to take a pitcher deep. Plus, he can also play first base, a position the Mets are reportedly looking for reinforcements at.
While at this point, it doesn’t appear third base is on the Mets agenda, Frazier is a guy to keep an eye on because he could fill more needs than one.
With a relatively young squad, veteran leadership will be of utmost importance. I admire how humble Frazier is an his ability to handle the media well. He reminds me a lot of Jay Bruce in that aspect.
At the end of the day, the Mets would be getting a power bat that can also play quality defense and help mentor the younger guys like Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith.
