This is the time of year where it’s vital for teams to have all of their proverbial “ducks in a row.” A lot can happen, plans can (and will..) change, and it’s important for teams to prepare for all possible situations.
It seems as if that is exactly what the Los Angeles Dodgers are doing. As seen in the tweet below, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick is reporting that the Dodgers have expressed interest in Chicago White Sox slugger Todd Frazier. It’s unclear how far talks have progressed, or even if the Dodgers are seriously interested in obtaining the power-hitting third baseman.
The #Dodgers have expressed interest in trading for Todd Frazier, source says. #Whitesox might not be done dealing yet.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 6, 2016
Frazier, 30, has progressively improved since his first full season in 2012, recording 35+ home runs in each of the past two seasons. While his power numbers are certainly eye-catching, it’s his anemic average that scares some teams. A career .250 hitter, Frazier has recorded three seasons with an average below .240, most recently tallying a feeble .225 average in 2016.
Los Angeles has been said to prefer a reunion with their own free agent Justin Turner, and Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports is reporting that the interest is mutual. That said, Heyman also notes that the two sides remain apart on a deal.
Given that the White Sox sent shockwaves through the baseball world earlier this afternoon by dealing superstar southpaw Chris Sale, it makes sense for them to test the trade market waters in regards to veteran players. With a projected arbitration salary of $13.5 million (courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors), and the level of production at a valued position such as third-base, Frazier will not come cheap, neither salary-wise, nor in regards to prospects.
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