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The Mets are looking into signing free-agent third basemen Mike Moustakas or Todd Frazier, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Morris’s sources they are considering this option “if the price drops on either.” However, no deals are imminent.
Signing Moustakas would be a huge splash for the Mets, as he is the top third baseman on the market. The 29-year-old Moustakas is coming his best season of his career with the Royals, posting career highs in home runs (38), RBI (85), slugging percentage (.521) and OPS (.835). In his seven seasons in Kansas City, he has produced a career .251/.305/.425 slash line while helping the Royals win the World Series in 2015 and earning two All-Star selections (2015 and 2017).
But, Moustakas is a Scott Boras client and is more than likely looking to get paid handsomely this offseason. Moustakas only made $8.7 million last year.
As for Frazier, he may be a better fit for the Mets. The 31-year-old hit 27 home runs, had 76 RBI and a 3.4 WAR while splitting time with the White Sox and Yankees. After being traded to New York, the Toms River, New Jersey native became a key emotional leader for the Yankees while guiding them to the ALCS, where they lost in seven games to the eventual World Series champion Astros.
Frazier made $12 million last year, but the Mets may be inclined to pay him that amount again or slightly more because of his versatility and leadership. Frazier also plays first base, where Morosi says the Mets are looking at other free agents — such as Logan Morrison or Adam Lind — “with the understanding that Dominic Smith will still have the opportunity to earn Major League at-bats in 2018.”