New York Yankees: Infield options not named Todd Frazier

Todd Frazier was in contact with the New York Yankees for the first two months of the offseason. As the hot stove season continues, he might not be a priority anymore. But who else could they look into at this point?

Todd Frazier had an impact on the New York Yankees last season.

The two-time All-Star’s presence was on display, and he also contributed with clutch hits in key situations. He claimed last week that he is worth whatever contract he desires, which at this point is a multi-year deal likely worth more than $10 million a season.

But due to its current salary cap situation, New York may not deem him worthwhile, as the front office has less than $20 million left to distribute. Thus, the Yankees must decide whether they need another piece of the pitching staff or a veteran infielder.

General manager Brian Cashman, who was very busy the very previous seasons, can acquire two pieces at a bargain to fulfill both needs. Plenty of free agents entered the new year without a team, and some could be worth adding. Other players sit on the trade block waiting to get word of a swap.

Options on the mound center on Yu Darvish, Gerrit Cole, and Patrick Corbin. Yet, several more options – cheap ones – remain in the infield market. And if New York still desires someone with a Frazier-esque resume, it can find a suitable fill-in on the free agent market.

Frazier’s numbers continuously diminished since he was victorious in the 2015 Home Run Derby. He has taken a boom-or-bust approach at the dish, clobbering 102 home runs across the last three years.

But he countered those examples of raw power with a lower average and more strikeouts. However, he enhanced his plate discipline in some aspects, as he drew a career-high 83 walks in 2017.

The major difference between Frazier’s outstanding season in 2015 – hit .255 with 35 homers and 43 doubles – and the previous two is ultimately the contact he’s making. In 2015, he hit fly balls about 48 percent of the time, with a line drive rate of about 19 percent, per FanGraphs.

For 2016 and 2017, he hit more than 50 percent of his balls in the air and fewer line drives. The most significant aspect of his demise, at least in 2017, was his inability to bash left-handed pitchers. While he hit slightly above the Mendoza line against them, his BABIP was a measly .158.

It’s evident that Frazier is not one of the league’s best third basemen. And while he was never really in the same category as guys like Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado, he was still a viable power threat in the lineup.

Now, he may not even be worthy of an everyday spot due to his struggles at the plate.

Hence, if the Yankees do not wish to give Frazier the deal he wants, they can look elsewhere if they genuinely believe they need more depth in the corner infield positions.

There are plenty of options, but these are just a few that could be worth looking into based on their resumes and how they compare to Frazier.