Report: Rangers, Frazier agree to 1-year, $5M deal
The Texas Rangers and third baseman Todd Frazier have agreed to a one-year deal, pending a physical, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
The contract guarantees the veteran slugger will earn $5 million total. The deal will pay Frazier $3.5 million in 2020 and includes a $5.75-million team option for 2021 with a $1.5-million buyout.
Although he'll be playing his natural position in Texas, Frazier could also see some time at first base in 2020, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Frazier has made 97 career appearances at first base, including 43 games in 2014.
Now entering his age-34 season, Frazier hit .251/.329/.443 with 21 home runs over 133 games with the New York Mets in 2019. The two-time All-Star was particularly adept at hitting lefties, authoring a .913 OPS against southpaws.
The Rangers entered the offseason reportedly targeting free-agent third baseman Anthony Rendon, who's originally from Houston and attended Rice. Instead, Rendon wound up signing with the division-rival Los Angeles Angels.
The Rangers are also reportedly still showing interest in acquiring Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies, Grant adds. The two clubs have been working on a complicated deal that would require Arenado to defer his opt-out clause, ensuring the seven-time Gold Glove winner wouldn't leave as a free agent following the 2021 season.
Texas is reportedly willing to take on the $234 million remaining on Arenado's contract.