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Reds trade rumors: Cincinnati could make Todd Frazier available in deals

The All-Star third baseman could be on his way out of Cincinnati.

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds are making third baseman Todd Frazier in trade talks and would expect quite a haul in return, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark:

Frazier earned his second All-Star appearance in 2015, starting the game in his home park. For the season, he hit .255/.309/.498 with 35 home runs in 157 games. He was also a finalist for a Gold Glove at third base, losing out to Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado.

His strong numbers in 2015 backed a breakout season for Frazier in 2014 that saw him hit .273/.336/.459 29 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 157 games. He also has a track record of good health, having played at least 150 games in each of the last three seasons.

Signed through 2016 at the quite reasonable price of $7.5 million, Frazier would be an attractive option for a contender looking for a third baseman next season, and the length of his contract, or lack thereof, makes it sensible for a rebuilding Reds team to consider dealing him.

Two teams that could be in the mix for Frazier are the Yankees and Astros. Veteran Chase Headley played the majority of the time at the third base for New York in 2015 and was below average with both the bat and glove. It is also likely that if the Yankees acquire Frazier, they could sign the New Jersey native to a long-term deal.

Houston emerged as a contender last season, but could use an upgrade at third base from Luis Valbuena and the Astros certainly have the prospect depth to pull off a trade for Frazier.

Whether it is to New York, Houston or somewhere else, Frazier could be on the move this winter.