MLB Rumors: Rangers Sign Todd Frazier, Are They Out Of Josh Donaldson Sweepstakes?

After failing to sign Anthony Rendon, the Texas Rangers had to look elsewhere to fill their void at the hot corner and have now done so by inking free agent Todd Frazier to a contract, although that means they are now officially out of the race for Josh Donaldson.

MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reports that Frazier has gotten a one-year $3.5 million contract plus a club option for an extra year worth $5.75 million. Should the Rangers not exercise the option, Frazier will receive a $1.5 million buyout.

Frazier spent 2019 with the New York Mets. He hit .251 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs in 133 games. His stats were significantly better against lefties, posting a .294 average when facing southpaws as opposed to .234 versus righties.

The Rangers wanted to add a right-handed bat to their lineup as well as plug their void at third base. They were one of several teams who attempted to sign Anthony Rendon, but the Texas native chose to agree on terms with the Los Angeles Angels.

After losing out on him, the Rangers looked to another free agent in Donaldson. However, there are other clubs like the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers who are in much better position to sign him.

This led Texas to pursue Todd Frazier and eventually agreeing a deal with him. His signing also means that the Rangers are out of the Donaldson race as they no longer have the desire to sign him, even if they did have the funds.

The Minnesota Twins are also out of the Donaldson sweepstakes. They chose to extend third baseman Miguel Sano on a three-year contract with an option for a fourth. That narrows the potential suitors for Donaldson down to just the Nationals, Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, unless there is an unexpected club waiting in the wings.

The Rangers are also considering bringing in free agent Nicholas Castellanos. The former Detroit Tiger and Chicago Cub is another solid right-handed bat and he can play in a variety of positions. Castellanos has fielded third and corner outfield in his major league career, although the Rangers are considering him for first base.

Either way, Frazier’s signing signals the end of the Rangers’ pursuit of Donaldson.