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MLB trade rumors: Red Sox scouting Todd Frazier

By Brad Berreman

May 20, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Todd Frazier (21) hits a two RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Todd Frazier (21) hits a two RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox need an upgrade at third base, and Todd Frazier is apparently emerging as a trade target.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are scouting Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier. Frazier is struggling so far this year, with a batting average below the Mendoza line (.195), four home runs and 17 RBI over 123 at-bats. But he has shown some signs of life recently, with multiple hits in three of his last five games and five RBI over his last six contests. A possible hot streak for Frazier may come just in time for the White Sox, to maximize his value as they consider going into sell-mode.

Even after a lost 2016 season, the Red Sox showed great faith in Pablo Sandoval by trading Travis Shaw to the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason. Before being placed on the disabled list with a knee issue in late April, Sandoval had an uninspired .213/.269/.377 slash-line with three home runs and 10 RBI. In Sandoval’s place, the Red Sox have used a combination of Josh Rutledge, Deven Marrero and Marco Hernandez at the hot corner, with the expected lack of results.

Shaw is hitting .290 with nine home runs, 12 doubles, 22 runs scored and 34 RBI so far this season (entering Monday’s action). That would be an obvious improvement over what Boston has gotten from their third baseman thus far, but a move to address the need may be coming.

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Frazier is in the final year of his contract, at a reasonable $12 million, and Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski is not afraid to make big moves to fill a void. Parting with a top prospect or two may not be necessary to get Frazier, but the White Sox managed to get a couple top prospects from the Nationals for outfielder Adam Eaton during the offseason. That may serve as a starting point from the White Sox end on Frazier now, as they again try to fleece a team with high expectations.

Frazier missed time earlier this year with a back issue, which has to be an ongoing concern. But the Red Sox have to make a move to add a third baseman, and when it’s all said and done Frazier may be their best option to address the void for the rest of the season.

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