MLB power rankings: Top 10 third basemen of 2017

Jun 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) dives for a ground ball in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 10

Sep 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) makes a play on a hit by Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (not pictured) during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Todd Frazier, Chicago White Sox

Of the ten players on this list, Todd Frazier is coming off the worst season. The Toddfather batted just .225/.302/.464 in his first season with the White Sox. On a positive note, he did hit 40 home runs, a new career-high for the two-time All-Star. Frazier also slightly shook off his reputation for fading in the second half by posting his best month of the season in September. In the final month, he hit seven home runs and finished with a .868 OPS.

The White Sox are holding onto Frazier for now, hoping that his trade value will increase by the middle of the season with a few more months like last September. There is a decent chance that could happen, as Frazier is typically stronger in the first half of the year. He has an OPS of .833 in the first half for his career, over 100 points higher than his second-half numbers.

Last season, Frazier made quality contact at a much lower rate than in any of his previous seasons. His strikeout numbers rose slightly above his career averages, but his walk rate was also higher. Frazier hit more grounders and lazy fly balls last season, with fewer line drives. Perhaps getting too home-run happy on his new team caused the third baseman to alter his swing. Defensively, Frazier is a neutral player in terms of net value, and a move across the diamond to first base might come down the road.

Home/MLB