Rumor: Washington Nationals Interested In Trading For Todd Frazier

The Nats have been looking for another big bat in the lineup and they’ve reportedly called the Reds about being interested in Todd Frazier.

All offseason long, the Washington Nationals have been targeting another big bat to put into their lineup for the 2016 season. They were one of the finalists for Jason Heyward and Pete Kerzel of MASN reported over the weekend that the Nats have continued talking to the Rockies about outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon.

Today, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and MLB Network reported that the Nats are one of the teams that have been linked to trying to trade for Cincinnati Reds’ third baseman Todd Frazier. Here’s the latest from Heyman:

"“The White Sox and Indians were thought to be among the teams most heavily involved at last week’s Winter Meetings, with the Nationals, Royals, Dodgers, Rangers and Angels among teams believed to have some involvement or interest.”"

More from District on Deck

While Frazier isn’t left-handed, he still would bring more power to this lineup. The Reds’ third baseman had a slash line of .255/.309/.498 this past season with 35 home runs (fourth in the National League) and 89 RBI’s in 157 games.

Frazier, who will turn 30 in February, has played in the All-Star Game each of the past two seasons and has combined for 64 home runs and 189 RBI’s during that span of time. In 2012, Frazier finished third in the rookie of the year voting in the NL, the year Bryce Harper won that award.

More from Nationals Rumors

With the Reds in re-building mode, it makes sense for them to deal Frazier while he has two years of control left. He will be a free agent after the 2017 season. While the Nationals have a set third baseman right now in Anthony Rendon after dealing Yunel Escobar to the Angels, they could always move Rendon to second base if they were to deal for Frazier. The Nats could then make Danny Espinosa the shortstop and allow Trea Turner more time in the minor leagues to continue to develop while playing everyday.

However, the price for getting Frazier is going to be steep considering he is one of the best third basemen in the game. Plus, you look at other teams, such as the Cleveland Indians, who have a good amount of starting pitching depth to trade from, which would give them the advantage in that regard over the Nats.

Next: Top 10 Games Of 2015: #2 - Scherzer's No-No Vs. Pirates

Even though I don’t see this as a likely deal for the Nats at this time, it’s yet another example of Mike Rizzo and the front office trying to be aggressive in adding another big time piece to this offense. Plus, the Nats know firsthand about the damage Frazier can do at the plate. This season, Frazier hit .375 against Washington with two home runs and four RBI’s and he has a .315 lifetime average with five home runs and 16 RBI’s in 23 games vs. the Nats.

Home/Nationals Rumors