What’s Next For Home Run Derby Champ Todd Frazier?

Todd Frazier’s big win in this year’s Home Run Derby was the feel-good event of the week, as thousands of Cincinnati Reds faithful cheered on the hero of their home team in Great American Ball Park. But the slugging third baseman may not get to hear those cheers for much longer. Rumors say that the Reds are putting Frazier and his coveted right-handed power on the trading block. Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty tried to shut down that talk by declaring that Frazier would not be traded, but the rumors have continued unabated – as they should, since a GM’s word isn’t always worth much in this business.

The rumors make some sense. The Reds are a distant fourth in a competitive National League Central that also includes the Cardinals, Pirates, and Cubs. Frazier is arbitration eligible in 2017, and it’s not clear how the Reds (who are already committed to paying for veterans Joey Votto, Homer Bailey, and Brandon Phillips, among others) could afford to re-sign him. The Reds could pay him what he gets through arbitration, but they may also be better off just making a trade now for young talent, rather than throwing money at a player who will then be in his 30s.

On the other hand, there are players besides Frazier that the Reds could move. Pitcher Johnny Cueto seems all but sure to go, as his asking price in 2016 is expected to be well beyond what the Reds could (or, on their budget, should) offer. Cueto is an ace and extremely valuable, but he’s also a true rental – whichever team gets him will only have him until the end of the season, and then he’ll become a free agent. And just because Cueto is going doesn’t mean that Frazier can’t go, too (or pitcher Mike Leake, for that matter).

So if Frazier does go, where will he end up? Nobody knows for sure, but here are the best bets.

Todd Frazier and Ken Griffey Jr. are now only players to win Home Run Derby after finishing 2nd the previous year. pic.twitter.com/XEFy7C5f7o

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 14, 2015

Minnesota Twins

The Twins need a bat, and they have more than enough prospects to swing a deal for Frazier. They also have a low payroll, which gives them the flexibility to pay Frazier’s salary. They’ve found themselves much more competitive in the AL Central than many would have guessed before the season, but they may not be ready to start throwing money at players just yet. In a decision between keeping their payroll flexibility and making a trade for Frazier, it’s not at all clear that the Twins would choose Frazier.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are in contention, but they will probably need to make a move or two to get over the top. Third base is an area that they’re looking to upgrade, so Frazier would be a great solution for them. That said, the Giants haven’t indicated that they’re looking for quite so complete a player as Frazier. Giants GM Brian Sabean was rumored to have interest in Mets 2B/3B Daniel Murphy earlier this season, and the Giants are also interested in A’s IF/OF Ben Zobrist. Those are both less glamorous options than Frazier, so it seems that the Giants may be shopping for more of a bargain.

New York Mets

New York has an incredible young pitching core, but no bats. Frazier could fill a huge hole in the Mets lineup, and the Mets certainly have the young talent to make a deal. The roadblock, though, is David Wright. It’s unclear if Wright will come back at full strength this season or beyond, but the Mets front office seems convinced (publicly, at least) that he will do so. Frazier isn’t really a good fit for a position change, so Wright’s status will determine whether or not this swap is realistic. Still, given Wright’s injury history, this possibility is the most likely on our list.

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