The Chicago White Sox sent shockwaves throughout the Winter Meetings on Tuesday by agreeing to trade Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for four prospects. The trade may trigger a fire sale for the White Sox, with that potentially involving Todd Frazier.
Chicago acquired Frazier last December from the Cincinnati Reds as part of a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not long after the trade was completed, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said his club could have landed Frazier as part of the deal.
Los Angeles didn’t feel the need to acquire Frazier, given Justin Turner’s presence, Friedman explained at the time. Now Turner is a free agent, and though re-signing him has been labeled a priority, the Dodgers are said to be exploring multiple options.
One appears to be continued interest in potentially trading for Frazier, per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
The #Dodgers have expressed interest in trading for Todd Frazier, source says. #Whitesox might not be done dealing yet.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 6, 2016
Last month the Dodgers and White Sox reportedly held trade talks for a package that included Frazier and Sale. But soon after, a report indicated the Dodgers prefer Turner to Frazier.
Frazier is coming off somewhat of a down season in which he batted .225/.302/.464 with 21 doubles, 40 home runs, 98 RBI and a 109 OPS+ in a career-high 158 games. For comparison’s sake, Turner overcame a slow start to hit .275/.339/.493 with 34 doubles, 27 home runs and a 124 OPS+ in 151 games.
Also of note, Frazier (-2 Defensive Runs Saved) paled in comparison to Turner (seven DRS). What’s more, Turner was a Gold Glove finalist this season.
After earning $7.5 million this season in the second of a two-year extension, Frazier is eligible for salary arbitration.
The Dodgers have also been linked to San Diego Padres infielder Yangervis Solarte and Tampa Bay Rays utility man Logan Forsythe, among others, as third base remains a question mark.
