The New York Yankees need to keep Todd Frazier at all costs

The New York Yankees have just wrapped up what turned into a magical playoff run, but their main concern at the moment should be re-signing Todd Frazier.

What a spectacular season the New York Yankees wound up having for themselves, even though expectations for the club heading into the 2017 season were not bright at all. If this team wants to go for the big one again next season, only one name should be on their mind, Todd Frazier.

Frazier was acquired by the Yankees on July 19, along with David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, and it was evident that he felt at home in New York from day one. He brought a veteran source of energy in the clubhouse that the Bombers seemed like they needed.

Fans automatically fell in love with him from day one as well — local Jersey boy who grew up a diehard Yankees fan and admired Derek Jeter. How could you not cheer for him?

In 66 games after being traded from the White Sox, Frazier slashed .222/.365/.423 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs. These aren’t stats that catch your eye when you look at them, but Frazier’s value goes beyond statistics.

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Even when he was struggling in the beginning, he still showed up to the field every day to play and displayed a smile while sitting in the dugout.

All teams need that spark plug-in the clubhouse to get the boys going right before a big game and Frazier is that guy. Before he came around, the Yankees did not have a personality like him in the clubhouse since Nick Swisher departed, almost five years ago.

Especially with a team full of young players who may not know how to react in certain situations, the Toms River-native is the one to keep everyone under control and remind them of the job they have to do.

It could be said that Frazier changed the entire Yankees’ season on September 11 with his three-run home run at Citi Field. This home run created the whole “Thumbs Down” craze and became the Yankees’ rallying cry heading down the stretch.

There is no denying how this simple hand gesture that Frazier noticed a man in the crowd turned the Yankees into a team that was relaxed, having fun and had postseason aspirations on their minds.

Now, many believe that Frazier will be seeking a multi-year deal worth a lot of money, more than the Yankees would be willing to spend. However, I believe Frazier would surrender a bit of cash to remain a Yankee — if that is what the Yankees wanted him to settle for. The guy just loves New York.

“This is the best group I’ve been around in baseball, to be honest with you,” Frazier told NJ.com. “You see these guys giving hugs to everybody and obviously tears, it’s a great group, it’s a fun group to be around. The way the Yankee organization brought me in like one of their own straight from the get go, I couldn’t be happier.”

It would be absolutely foolish of the Yankees’ front office to let a key piece to their 2017 success go by the wayside. It is not every day you come across players like Frazier who change the feeling in the clubhouse and bring a fire to the field each day.

Many could also argue that Frazier has no place on the Yankees next season due to the impending arrival of mega-prospect Gleyber Torres. Here is what I have to say about that, the Yankees need to trade Starlin Castro and let Torres take over second base.

This way you can have Frazier remain your third baseman and make Chase Headley your DH, while also providing a backup for Greg Bird at first.

Next: What the Yankees proved in their rebuilding year

So, this goes out to you Brian Cashman, everything in your power must be done in order to keep Todd Frazier in pinstripes. It would be devastating to the feel of the clubhouse to let such a key personality simply walk away.

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The New York Yankees have just wrapped up what turned into a magical playoff run, but their main concern at the moment should be re-signing Todd Frazier.

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