MLB trade rumors: 5 third baseman Red Sox should target

1. Todd Frazier, Chicago White Sox

The Red Sox are reportedly scouting Frazier as they look to make a trade for a third baseman, so he goes to No. 1 on this list. A back issue early this month and an illness in April have brought a slow start for him, but Frazier has shown signs of a turnaround by hitting .280 (7-for-25) with five RBI over his last six games.

Frazier hit above .260 just once from 2013-2016, but he set career-highs in home runs (40) and RBI (98) last season with the White Sox after doing the same with the Cincinnati Reds in 2014 (29 home runs, 80 RBI) and 2015 (35 home runs, 89 RBI). Frazier even adds stolen bases to his offensive value, with 48 steals on 69 attempts (69.6 percent success rate) over the last three full seasons and three steals on four attempts so far in 2017.

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The Red Sox appear to be honing in on Frazier at this fairly early stage, and he is also in the final year of his contract. The White Sox could fancy themselves as a playoff contender, as they sit just three games out in the AL Central. But holding on to notable veterans would not fit with prior moves, which point to acquiring young talent with an eye beyond 2017.

Frazier is one of the noteworthy veteran players that should be trade bait for the Pale Hose, and the Red Sox are a worthy suitor with a glaring need.