RADIO
The Indians, White Sox, Royals, and Dodgers are all interested in a possible trade for Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, according to USA Today.
It seems very likely that Frazier will likely be gone before the 2016 season begins. The two-time All-Star third baseman is quietly becoming one of the biggest trade pieces this off-season. The 29-year-old’s average dipped to .255 although he hit a career high in homers (35) and RBI (89). It might take a lot to get him away from Cincy but it seems like he will be gone.
The Cincinnati #Reds drawing extensive interest from AL Central teams who want Todd Frazier:#Indians, #Whitesox, #Royals.Also #Dodgers in NL
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 15, 2015
The Indians need more offense to match their outstanding starting rotation, and Frazier would provide the depth they need in the middle of the lineup. The tandem of Frazier and Michael Brantley would be impressive.
The White Sox could move Brett Lawrie to second base in order for Frazier to play third. Lawrie hit 16 HR with 60 RBI while Carlos Sanchez struggled at second base with his .224 BA with 5 HR and 31 RBI. Frazier would be a major upgrade to this offense.
The Dodgers have Justin Turner at third base for 2016 after his breakout 2015 year. Turner had a .294 BA with 16 HR and 60 RBI. He was their best player in the postseason and almost carried Los Angeles to the NLCS. There’s a good chance that the Dodgers could lose Howie Kendrick to free agency, which would open the door at second base for either Frazier or Turner. Frazier would likely be plugged in somewhere between Turner and Adrian Gonzalez in the middle of their order. The Dodgers were missing offense when it mattered most last season, and Frazier could help improve that area in their game.
The Royals are the defending World Series champions. Kansas City would use Frazier in left field as the replacement for Alex Gordon while Mike Moustakas holds down third base. Frazier only struck out 137 times last season, which fits the Royals offensive game-plan that helped them take down the New York Mets outstanding starting pitching in the World Series.
The best fantasy team for Frazier would likely be the Royals because their lineup is stacked from top to bottom. He would get plenty of pitches to hit because he might hit somewhere around Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez and Moustakas. These guys rarely strike out and all can hit the ball over the fence. Even though Cincinnati is one of the easiest ballparks to hit in, Frazier would be set to have a great fantasy season in Kansas City.
