The Seattle Mariners need to lock up Adam Frazier

Although somewhat delayed, it’s arbitration season. The Seattle Mariners and Adam Frazier had their hearing last week. Instead of waiting for a decision, they should sign him to an extension.

On May 2, the Seattle Mariners and Second Baseman Adam Frazier held their first arbitration case. This year’s arguments were delayed due to the work stoppage and held virtually as most things are during the pandemic. Frazier has asked for a raise from his $4.3M salary to $8M, and the Mariners counter offered $6.7M. The three-member panel will announce its decision in about two weeks.

In the meantime, would it be a good idea to sign Frazier to a longer-term deal? Taking a look at how he is playing, Frazier is batting .243/.308/.346 with 1 home run, 12 RBI, and 16 runs scored in his 27 games. His current slash numbers are a bit lower than his career averages, but he is on pace to set a career high in runs batted in.

The eye test in his first season here in Seattle shows a very professional hitter. Despite a slow(ish) start, his slash line will eventually even out to his career norms.

Team fit

Frazier is a second baseman with some position flexibility to play leftfield and shortstop, as well. In Seattle, he mainly bats lead off and plays second base, but there are reports this week that Frazier has taken some pre-game warm-ups in left field. He seems to get along great with his new teammates. With no second baseman among the M’s top 30 prospects, it makes keeping Frazier even more important.

Expectations

Frazier’s career averages of .280/.342/.409 would have made Frazier a top three player on last season’s team. If he can remain at this production level, it would be a very nice get for Jerry Dipoto. He may even et new career highs over the next season or two. It’s not hard to see Frazier top his 80 runs scored, 36 doubles, 10 stolen bases, and 50 RBI totals. 

M’s fans have to remember a couple of things when looking at Frazier’s slow start. 2022 is his first season in the American League and also the first time seeing these pitchers. Occasionally, that plays into the hitter’s favor. In this case, pitchers have a bit of an advantage because he’s a seven-year veteran with plenty of scouting tape available on him. Frazier will get hot at some point this summer, and the Seattle Mariners offense will take off.

Securing the future

Dipoto did a nice job acquiring Frazier; now it’s time to lock him up. He should offer Frazier a three-year, $22M extension with a fourth-year option at $10M. This would keep him in Seattle through at least 2025. With shortstop J.P. Crawford signed through 2026, extending Frazier would solidify the Seattle Mariners’ middle infield for the foreseeable future.