Frazier Traded to Chicago White Sox
Dec 17 | Baseball
Welcome to Chicago, @FlavaFraz21! pic.twitter.com/wRxtZE8ZDt
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 16, 2015
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Todd Frazier was part of a three-team deal on Wednesday that sent the former Rutgers baseball standout to the Chicago White Sox. The trade also involved the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds.
Frazier is the second Scarlet Knight on the move this offseason, as Patrick Kivlehan was dealt to the Texas Rangers earlier this month.
First off I'd like to thank the Reds fans for their support over the last five years you guys will always have a special place in my heart.
— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) December 16, 2015
2nd I can't wait to start my next chapter with the chi White Sox. Can't wait to represent the southside. It's going to be a fun season
— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) December 16, 2015
"I'm pretty excited, I've got to be truthful with you," Frazier told MLB.com. "I know it's the American League, I know it's going to be a little different. It might take a little time to get acclimated, but I just saw the lineup on TV, and it kind of put a smile on my face to see the guys we've got. It's going to be a fun time. I really can't wait to see what we're all about and how we come together as a team in Spring Training."
"We are thrilled to be able to add a player the caliber of Todd Frazier," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "We feel that he addresses a spot that has been rather difficult to fill for an extended period of time at third base. We view him as one of the finer third basemen in the game, from an offensive and defensive standpoint."
The last Rutgers baseball alumnus to appear in a game for the White Sox was Jack Egbert in 2009.
In 2015, Frazier earned his second consecutive all-star appearance first starting nod at third base. The game was staged in his home ballpark in Cincinnati, and Frazier took advantage of the opportunity by electrifying the crowd with a Home Run Derby title. For the season, he finished fourth in the National League with 35 home runs and second with 43 doubles. The third baseman also totaled a team-high 89 RBIs on a .498 slugging percentage.
For his major league career, Frazier has hit 108 home runs, 125 doubles with 324 RBIs over 633 games. He has two years left on his current contract and will become a free agent following the 2017 season.
One of the most accomplished players in program history, Frazier ranks first in the RU record book with 42 career home runs and 210 runs during his three seasons (2005-07) in Piscataway. He hit .377 with 93 hits, 24 doubles, 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, 62 walks and 25 stolen bases in a memorable All-America 2007 season that saw the Scarlet Knights win the Big East regular season and tournament. Frazier batted .520 (13-for-25) with three homers and seven RBIs in the tournament held in Brooklyn to help lead Rutgers to an NCAA Regional berth.
Frazier was picked by Cincinnati with the 34th overall selection in the 2007 draft and made his MLB debut May 23, 2011.
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