Mets Players Praise Team’s Signing Of Todd Frazier To Two-Year Deal

The New York Mets signed Todd Frazier to a two-year, $17 million deal late Monday, and several returning players have approved of the free-agent third baseman — who boasts impressive stats — joining their ranks.

Todd Frazier Mets deal news

Frazier — who will be 32 next week — played a key role for the New York Yankees during the second half of last season after they acquired him from the Chicago White Sox in July. Between both teams in 2017, Frazier hit .213 but posted a career-high .344 on-base percentage along with 27 home runs and 76 R.B.I.

“I think he’s a solid player both offensively and defensively,” catcher Travis d’Arnaud said of Frazier following a voluntary workout on Tuesday at the Mets’ training complex. “He’s been a solid player for his whole career and I think him playing in his hometown in New York is going to fire him up and he’ll be amped up every single game.”

In his six full MLB seasons, Frazier has averaged 28 home runs and 132 strikeouts.

“I feel really good because he’s a veteran guy and I can learn a lot from him,” second-year shortstop Amed Rosario said through an interpreter. “I’m probably going to pick his brain out and I’m looking forward to being here with him.”

Rosario is expected to be the Mets’ starting shortstop after appearing in 46 late-season games for the team in 2017. He batted .248 with four homers and a .665 OPS  with 49 strikeouts and just three walks over 170 plate appearances.

The Mets — who missed the playoffs in 2017 after going 70-92 — have spent $72.5 million this offseason on five players.

Noah Syndergaard tweeted a thumbs-down emoji on Monday night, which represents the gesture Frazier popularized with the Yankees after a Mets fans was shown on television flashing his thumbs down at the third baseman during a Yankees-Rays game played at Citi Field due to Hurricane Irma.

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 11: Todd Frazier #29 of the New York Yankees celebrates after scoring on a single by Brett Gardner #11 in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Five of the American League Divisional Series at Progressive Field on October 11, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)