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The Mets have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with third baseman Todd Frazier, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Frazier is the second major addition of the winter for the Mets, who also brought back Jay Bruce on a three-year, $39 million deal. Frazier will take over as the club’s third baseman, with Asdrubal Cabrera shifting to second base between shortstop Amed Rosario and either Adrian Gonzalez and Dominic Smith at first.
Frazier, who will turn 32 this month, was also linked to the Yankees, Rockies, Angels and Giants throughout the winter, with the Mets also showing interest in Eduardo Nunez in their search for an infielder. Frazier was expected by many to receive at least a three-year deal, but the slow winter has stalled free agency and caused players to take smaller deals than anticipated.
Frazier, a New Jersey native, hit just .222/.365/.423 with 11 homers in 66 games as a member of the Yankees after being acquired in a deadline trade with the White Sox. He’s seen his average drop significantly in each of the last four seasons, but has consistently put up solid power numbers and is known as a great clubhouse presence.
New York has had a quietly busy winter, signing Frazier, Bruce, Gonzalez and reliever Anthony Swarzak as free agents. The team could also look to sign a starter, and has known interest in Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb if their prices continue to fall.