Todd Frazier
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Bringing Todd Frazier back to the Bronx would be great for New York Yankees fans but not for their luxury tax.

It seems that the dream of Todd Frazier returning to the New York Yankees is too good to be true.

According to a report from NJ.com’s Brendan Kuty, a reunion between the two is becoming more and more unlikely. Why? Money, of course!

The Yankees first expressed interest in re-signing the excitable third baseman as this year’s Winter Meetings drew to a close. They originally got Frazier in a blockbuster trade that sent Blake Rutherford, Tyler Clippard, Ian Clarkin and Tito Polo to the Windy City in exchange for Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle.

During Frazier’s time in New York, he won the hearts of the Bronx faithful, becoming a prime catalyst in the team’s improbable playoff run. He hit 11 home runs in 66 games while batting .222.

So why would the Yankees want him back, especially since he didn’t do a whole lot offensively? Frazier didn’t put up spectacular numbers but he served as an incredible dugout presence for a young, developing team.

Frazier also helped to spark the “thumbs down” craze that could be found on every t-shirt and Yankees Instagram post across the country.

While it would be sad to not have their primary clubhouse leader again next season, Frazier’s absence would mean more opportunities for some young studs, especially Miguel Andujar who got limited time to shine last season.

Andujar would be first in line to snag the open slot at third base, especially after Chase Headley was shipped off to San Diego a few weeks ago.

With the Yankees aiming to get under the luxury tax threshold of $197 million this year, signing a big name for a short stint wouldn’t do them any favors. Plus, there has been talk surrounding adding starting pitching prior to spring training, which could be a hefty expense.

It seems the dream is over, my friends. Todd Frazier is likely done in a Yankees uniform.


Allison is just a girl with an enormous passion for the game of baseball and the written word. Based in Upstate New York, her life-long relationship with the New York Yankees is something that she developed through close relationships with her mother and grandfather. An aspiring sports writer, she graduated with a journalism degree and is finding places to share her excitement about the sporting world and how it affects us all.