MLB free agency: Mets prioritizing Eduardo Nunez, Todd Frazier

The Mets are looking at Eduardo Nunez and Todd Frazier as their “leading infield choices,” sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Mets had been in between Nunez, Frazier, former second baseman Neil Walker and Pirates’ utility man Josh Harrison, who they would have to acquire in a trade. However, Rosenthal’s sources say the club is “leery of getting used by Frazier if he prefers” returning to the Yankees, it is “reluctant to bring back Walker,” and is “getting no traction on” Harrison, who the Pirates wouldn’t deal without getting Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo in return.

Which leaves Nunez as the most probable candidate for New York.

Nunez can play both of second base and third base as well as shortstop. His versatility can give New York a ton of flexibility since Asdrubal Cabrera and Wilmer Flores can also play those positions.

The 30-year-old Nunez is also a solid hitter, posting a career-best .313/.341/.460 slash line last year while playing in 114 games for the Giants and the Red Sox, who acquired him at the non-waiver trade deadline. Nunez is also two years removed from an All-Star appearance, earning a spot in the game while being a member of the Twins.

Though the Mets are not sure of Frazier’s status, he would be a bigger upgrade for them. Frazier 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, he 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.

Though he can play anywhere in the infield, Frazier made $12 million last year, whereas Nunez only made $4.2 million. This would lead to believe that the Mets would probably sign Nunez because he will be cheaper for them to sign.