Even after moving Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, the Chicago White Sox are still looking to trade off their more valuable trade pieces. Jose Quintana seems likely to go, with David Robertson, Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier all hearing their name involved in trade rumors.
Frazier may be one of the better White Sox trade assets, however his scenario is a bit muddy at the moment.
He has proven himself as a hitter during his time in the MLB. In his six years and 791 major league games, Frazier has hit .250 with 148 homeruns, 422 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. He has atleast 29 homeruns, 80 RBIs and 13 stolen bases the past three seasons.
In acquiring Frazier teams understand that they’re getting one of the best power hitters in the league. However what may worry away franchises is Frazier’s impending free agency. Teams may be unwilling to pay top dollar for a player who could leave in 2018.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe confirms that theory in his most recent article. He writes:
While Chicago has received more interest in Jose Abreu, there have been “due diligence” phone calls on Frazier because of his righthanded power. Frazier had 40 homers and 98 RBIs last season. The White Sox would like to move him for a prospect or two, but the fact Frazier can be a free agent after next season may be holding back his market.
Cafardo also reports that teams are showing continued in Jose Abreu. Abreu is just 29 years old and was named the 2014 American League Rookie of the Year. In his three years in the league Abreu has hit .299 with 91 homeruns and 308 RBIs.
Abreu is unlikely to be moved, however if the White Sox are blown away, Rick Hahn will have to trade him. Cafardo reports that the White Sox first baseman is still drawing interest.
As for Frazier, Cafardo reports that teams are making “due diligence” calls on the third baseman. Meaning that teams are kicking the tires, but not making any serious offers for the slugger. Cafardo confirms that one of the main reasons for his lack of interest in his impending free agency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers seemed like an ideal landing spot for Frazier, however with the team re-signing Justin Turner, there is no spot for Frazier. Since the Dodgers have dropped out, no team has shown real interest in the third baseman.
Cafardo reports that the White Sox are looking for a prospect or two in talks for Frazier. But coming off a 40 homerun season, Rick Hahn is likely looking for one of the better prospects in a franchise’s farm system.
Until a team comes out and says that they’re interested in Frazier, his status will remain cloudy. The team has received minimal interest, but not enough for the team to make a deal.
It doesn’t make sense for a rebuilding team to keep a 40 homerun hitter, but as of now it seems that Todd Frazier may remain on the White Sox going in 2017.
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