Mets infield likely set after Todd Frazier signing

The New York Mets addressed a pressing need within their roster on Monday night, signing third baseman Todd Frazier to a two-year, $17 million deal.

Frazier’s acquisition is likely the final addition to the Mets infield this offseason, which was in need of either a second or third baseman after the team traded Neil Walker last summer while David Wright continues his grueling comeback from a series of debilitating injuries.

The calling up of Amed Rosario in August forced Asdrubal Cabrera away from his normal position at shortstop, which gave the Mets the option of playing him at either second or third base in 2018 depending on what they managed to add on this winter.

Now with Frazier in Queens, Cabrera will likely be the team’s starting second baseman.

Frazier will turn 32 on Monday, coming off a season that saw him dealt from the Chicago White Sox to the New York Yankees, helping the Mets’ crosstown rivals make a run to the ALCS. He’s best known for his power, averaging 33 home runs per year since 2014. That will fit in nicely with a Mets lineup that was looking for a little extra muscle in the middle alongside Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce.

While he doesn’t hit for average with a .245 career mark, Frazier is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high .344 on-base percentage. In 66 games with the Yankees, that ballooned to .365.

One of the more underrated aspects of Frazier’s game is his fielding as he brings a strong glove to the hot corner. Over his seven years at third, his .965 fielding percentage ranks eighth among all active third basemen in baseball.

Making an average of just $8.5 million per year, Frazier could be worth far more than his price tag if he’s able to live up to his past numbers.

Here is what the Mets’ defensive alignment could be and what their lineup could look like come Opening Day:

Mets 2018 projected defensive alignment

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

2B: Asdrubal Cabrera

3B: Todd Frazier

SS: Amed Rosario

Main Utility Infielders: Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores

LF: Yoenis Cespedes

CF: Brandon Nimmo (until Michael Conforto’s return)

RF: Jay Bruce

Mets 2018 projected lineup