Ever since Adrian Beltre departed, the Texas Rangers haven’t been able to fill his shoes. The powers that be in Arlington Texas have found a slight remedy by signing veteran Todd Frazier.
The parameters of Frazier’s deal includes one year for $5 million with sources confirming a club option worth $5.75 million. Should the Rangers decide not to pick up the 2021 option, Frazier’s buyout would be $1.5 million.
Source: Todd Frazier gets $5 million guaranteed from Rangers. He’ll get $3.5 million in 2020, with a $5.75 million club option for 2021 (or a $1.5 million buyout).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 12, 2020
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The Frazier Aid
The signing of Frazier has made a couple of things very clear. First is that the Rangers are planning more big moves. The second aspect is that Frazier’s tenure with the Rangers is primarily for short-term protection at the hot corner. It could be a much shorter stint should the Rangers somehow acquire Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies.
For now, the addition of Frazier means veteran stability that allows the Rangers to keep top third-base prospect Josh Jung. The addition also brings in resurgent Todd Frazier who posted a three-year high in total hits with 112.
It truly was a bounce-back year for the nine-year veteran. In 2019, Frazier hit .251/.443/.772. It was an improved season in not just his slash line, but also in patience at the plate in particular. His 21.2 percent strikeout rate marked the lowest for Frazier since his first All-Star season back in 2014. He produced 67 RBI and his 2.2 WAR mark ranked 20th across the entire MLB landscape within the third basemen ranks.
Possible future outcomes
No matter what happens going forward, the Rangers made a smart move adding Frazier. If the fantasy scenario of obtaining Nolan Arenado comes true, Frazier is able to take on other roles. Adding a superstar like Arenado would undoubtedly bounce Frazier off that spot, but the good thing is that Frazier does have experience playing first base. That is likely the position that Texas would put him at if Arenado does arrive in Arlington.
Ultimately, while Frazier won’t likely replace the production left by Beltre, he brings experience to a key infield position. That is something the Ranger desperately need as they look to endure a rebounding season instead of a rebuilding season.
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