This offseason, Bleacher Report has published a series of articles dedicated to ten players at each position who you should be paying attention to in Spring Training. The Chicago White Sox have seen their fair share of players make that watch list.
Recently Yoan Moncada (second base), Tim Anderson (shortstop) and Zack Collins (catcher) were all named as players to watch. All three players are considered the future on the South Side. Spring Training gives fans and management a chance to get a better look at their top prospects.
But Spring Training isn’t all about the young guns. In Bleacher Report’s newest list, a White Sox veteran was named as one of the more interest players to watch this Spring.
White Sox fans have been patiently waiting for answers surrounding Todd Frazier. The third baseman is reportedly on the trade block, but he hasn’t seen much interest. Frazier is currently in limbo and his status for the 2017 season is uncertain.
That uncertainty is what landed Frazier on Bleacher Report’s third baseman to watch in Spring Training list. Zachary Rymer of the site wrote:
He would be attractive trade bait based not just on his talent, but his affordability with only one season left in between him and free agency. And while his market is dormant for now, it could liven up if teams with uncertain situations at third base decide to seek a certain solution.
Spring Training not only gives the team a chance to watch Frazier, but it gives other teams a chance to evaluate their own third base position. If that team feels that the production is not up to par, they could contact the White Sox in an effort to acquire Frazier.
One team that comes to mind is the Boston Red Sox. The team is currently poised to go into the season with Pablo Sandoval as their starting third baseman. But if he flames out over Spring Training, Frazier could be Boston’s answer.
Perhaps the Rockies look at their team on the diamond and feel that it’s playoff ready. They could look to acquire Frazier as a first baseman, flipping one of their outfielders for a pitcher.
The options could be endless for Frazier come Spring Training. While his market may not be hot now, any team in need of power could come calling. With injuries likely to occur, Frazier could be one of the most coveted position players on the market.
Fans already know what to expect in Frazier, power; and lots of it. But Spring Training will allow for other teams to evaluate their roster. And if there is a hole, Frazier could be a quick fix.
It isn’t a 100% guarantee that the White Sox third baseman is moved during Spring Training. But the potential seems quite high, and atleast to Bleacher Report, makes Todd Frazier one of the most interesting third baseman to watch this Spring.
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