Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports that the New York Yankees are unlikely to re-sign veteran Todd Frazier given that is current asking price puts them to close to the $197 million payroll luxury tax threshold for 2018.
The Yankees have prospect Miguel Andujar, went 4 for 7 with two doubles and four RBI in majors last season, as the most likely in-house candidate for third base after he posted an .850 OPS in the minors last season.
Offensively in 2017, Frazier hit .213/.344/.428 with 19 doubles, a triple, 27 homers and 76 RBI. With those numbers, he had a 108 wRC+ and a 107 OPS+.
Frazier is an accomplished defender at third base with a 10 DRS there last year. The number was a career best for him. However, it should be noted in five of the six seasons he has logged at least a thousand innings at third, he has had a 5 DRS or higher at the position.
The Yankees current payroll is roughly $178 million and the team would potential mid-season trades and would still like to add a starting pitcher in addition to the recently re-signed CC Sabathia.
Frazier has expressed a willingness to play all over the infield to try and increase his market this offseason and he did play four games at first base in 2017. He also, albeit limited, has major league experience in left field, right field, shortstop and second base.
It was reported two weeks ago that the Mets were “curious” about the market for Frazier. The Point Pleasant, New Jersey native would certainly improve the Mets infield depth while giving them more insurance for Dominic Smith at first base. The Mets currently have Asdrubal Cabrera locked in as the starter at third.
