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.

Lucas Duda

Lucas Duda clobbered at least 25 bombs in each of the past three seasons. Thus, there is no argument that he can potentially surpass that mark again in 2018.

Like Frazier, the former Rays first baseman has trouble making solid contact on a consistent basis. He never was one to boast a high average anyways, as he hasn’t hit better than .253 since 2014.

New York attempted to utilize a power bat similar to Duda in the past with Chris Carter. Ultimately, that didn’t work out well. Hence, fans may question why the Yankees would want to sign him to a one-year contract if the risk is high and the ceiling is particularly low.

The infielder can offer them what Matt Holliday did last season. He could fill in for Greg Bird when he needs a day off and occasionally slide into the lineup as a designated hitter.

And, he could potentially prosper in a hitting-only role. Though he didn’t fare as well in Tampa Bay as he did in New York last year, the Bronx could be a fit for him. As a left-handed slugger, he would have an advantage at Yankee Stadium.

Yet, Duda may not be the most efficient option on the market for the AL East club.

He doesn’t possess an above-average fielding ability. The 31-year-old hasn’t posted a decisive defensive runs saved since 2010 – his rookie season.

Also, Duda’s lack of versatility only makes him serviceable in the batting order. Frazier offers New York a platoon guy at third base – and possible starter – if the team’s other options don’t fare well.

That wouldn’t be the case with Duda. However, Bird is injury-prone, and Tyler Austin struggled at the plate during his first few seasons. If the Yankees need a safety option at first, Duda could be an option.

Danny Valencia

Unlike most first baseman on the market, Valencia can ultimately play both corner positions and some outfield. New York’s outfield is set, but young guys like Austin and Andujar may be inconsistent in their roles.

Valencia offers a veteran presence and a solid combination of decent power and contact ability. He didn’t post glossy numbers in 2017, but he demonstrated his potential in each of the two seasons before that.

More importantly, he showcased this respectable power, swatting double-digit bombs in each of the last three years. His OPS dropped mightily between 2016 and 2017, but being in Yankee Stadium can help most hitters succeed.

Despite Valencia’s ability to hit for contact in recent years, he still has issues with striking out. Opposing pitchers racked up more than 100 whiffs against him in each of the past two seasons. That could deter New York from looking into him.

Compared to Frazier, the former Seattle player might not be as appealing. Frazier’s power overshadows the glaring issues in his game sometimes. Valencia’s characteristics aren’t shiny enough to distract people from his weaknesses.

Overall, Valencia is a hard-nosed veteran that can log plenty of innings even while not being an everyday starter. For a team that has some lingering questions in the infield, Valencia could help in this transition year.

And he wouldn’t cost much money, especially in a one-year deal.