New York Mets: Expectations for Todd Frazier’s new role in 2019

After a down 2018 season with the New York Mets, what does 2019 have in store for Todd Frazier?

When the New York Mets signed Jed Lowrie to a two-year $20 million dollar contract this offseason, it seemed as if Brodie Van Wagenen had no further plans for Todd Frazier, who signed a two-year deal the previous season. As we get closer to the regular season, it seems Frazier will indeed still see the field.

In the 2018 season, Frazier batted .213 with 18 home runs and 59 runs batted in. His season was cut short after two trips to the disabled list with hamstring and rib cage muscle injuries that set his season back.

Frazier is not used to watching the game from the dugout, before joining the Mets, he played a combined 147 games between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. He played an average of 150 games since 2012. He is a durable player and someone a team can usually count to play constantly throughout the season.

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Last season, his games played decreased to 115 played last season that was plagued with injuries. This season, Frazier looks to forget about last season and only focus on how he can contribute to this year’s team as he will approach a new role.

With the Mets new looking infield, Jed Lowrie, who is coming off an all-star year, batting .269 with 23 home runs and 99 runs batted in, will most likely be going to start at third. Newly acquired Robinson Cano will get the nod at second base and Jeff McNeil will be moved to the outfield. It seems Frazier will be the Mets starting first basemen for right now. He will continue to get playing time at first base until they are comfortable with promoting Peter Alonso up to the major leagues.

Alonso enters 2019 with minor league numbers that include a .290 batting average, 59 home runs, and 203 RBI. If he is called up during the season, it looks like Frazier and Lowrie will become utility players as they will move all across the diamond and share some time at third base.

Frazier doesn’t seem worried about being traded and has appeared positive about the upcoming season. He will provide a veteran presence the Mets will need as the season carries on. Frazier can become a mentor to Alonso and he can help him ease into the first base position when that time comes.

A potential plus side, he is a valuable piece to the team’s depth as he can play efficient all around the diamond. He provides a strong defensive asset in the infield as he is posting 1.9 WAR and 2 defensive runs saved. Looking back past the 2018 season, Frazier can be a durable piece the Mets can always turn to.

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It is very possible Frazier can have a bounce-back year and provide an offensive and defensive boost that the team may need later in the season. The Lowrie signing should not worry the New Jersey native, as he still has a big role for the team heading into the 2019 season. It’s a different role but an important one nonetheless.