Call it Manifest Destiny for Todd Frazier.
The Toms River, N.J. star turned Yankees and Mets fan favorite has found a team for the 2020 season, signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Texas Rangers.
According to baseball insiders Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the deal includes an option for the 2021 season.
With the likelihood of a Nolan Arenado trade dimming by the day, the Rangers on Sunday, acted to fill one of their pressing needs by agreeing to terms with right-handed hitting infielder Todd Frazier, two sources confirmed. One source confirmed the one-year, $5 million guaranteed contract, which is pending a physical.
The contract also includes a club option for 2021, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. That option is reportedly worth $5.75 million. Frazier would receive a $1.5 million buyout if the Rangers part ways with him after the 2020 season.
Frazier, a Rutgers alum, adds to a Rangers team coming off an active winter and expecting to take a leap into playoff contending status in 2020.
As for where Frazier will play in Texas, a resolution of the Nolan Arenado trade sweepstakes will play a big role.
Frazier, 33, hit 21 home runs and posted a 106 OPS+ for the Mets last season. The veteran was worth 2.2 WAR, showing there’s still gas left in the tank as an above-average big leaguer.
With 214 career home runs, Frazier has a chance to end his career in the 300-home run club. That pursuit could be aided by a trip back to a hitter-friendly park. Texas’ new stadium, Globe Life Field, opens this coming season.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.