Prior to being dealt to the White Sox, third baseman Todd Frazier sought to reach agreement with the Reds on a deal to stay in Cincinnati for the long haul, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports (Twitter links). Frazier was ultimate swapped in a three-team trade that brought Jose Peraza, Scott Schebler, and Brandon Dixon in from the Dodgers.
According to Heyman’s report, Frazier and his representatives at CAA “made many proposals” to the Reds, one of which looked something like the seven-year, $100MM pact between the Mariners and Kyle Seager. Indeed, Frazier met with ownership just before he was dealt in an effort to find a way to add years to his contract and stick with the Reds.
Certainly, it isn’t surprising that the organization decided it was time to move on. While some have criticized the quality of the return, the decision to part with Frazier — a 30-year-old who is set to reach free agency after the 2017 campaign — made sense for a team in transition. It certainly would have been difficult to take on another significant contract for an older player with so much already committed to pieces like Joey Votto and Homer Bailey.
It’s obviously not entirely clear what kind of arrangement Frazier might have settled for, but the Seager comp doesn’t exactly scream value. To be sure, the veteran has largely matched the production of his competitor in Seattle over the last couple of seasons. But Frazier is also about three years older than Seager was at the time of his deal, and the latter’s extra year of control doesn’t really close the gap all the way.
The report is mostly of historical interest now, of course, as Frazier is under control of the White Sox until qualifying for free agency before the 2018 campaign. But the information about Frazier’s price point and interest in a long-term deal could certainly become relevant again if the Sox are more inclined than were the Reds in a significant extension.
Bullet dodged. I have fond memories of Frazier, but Suarez provides nearly the same level of production for league min.
I would have preferred we keep him, but Seager money is hardly taking a hometown discount, especially when hes considerably older.
Have you watched Suarez play? The guy can’t even catch a pop up. He has a good bat, but not nearly as good as Frazier and his defense is light years behind Frazier. Frazier was on his way to a Bench/Rose/Perez-type level of love in Cincinnati. At the very least he would have sold tickets for a club that is likely going to be losing more than winning for the next 5 years or so. That is worth 7/100 easily.
“That is worth 7/100 easily.”
Source?
Frazier is a nice player but the reality is the Reds are going to remain a bad team for a few years, Todd had a terrible second half last year, he’s 30 years old and historically, his best production is behind him. Whether Dixon, Scheleber or Peraza amount to anything remains to be seen.
For little spent, the Dodgers wound up with value in Trayce Thompson, especially with the Ethier injury
Let’s see if Frazier earns a 5 year $70 million deal with the White Sox after this season.
After seeing how Davidson apparently reverted back to his former self once demoted, I would say if the Sox can tie up Frazier for the next few years then do it. As for declining production. Im not so sure, after all Beltre is still playing third and playing pretty well, so anything is possible, just do not break the bank for Frazier.
Beltre’s value was very little after his contract with Seattle ended. He signed a one year deal with Boston to prove he could still play—and he did. Texas signed him to a five year deal and he’s one of the few players who have lived up to their FA contracts in their 30’s. Obviously, Frazier has a couple years to prove he’s worth a big buck contract. We’ll see.