Todd Frazier, known for his powerful swing and charismatic presence, made a name for himself in Major League Baseball as a third baseman. Born on February 12, 1986, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Frazier's journey to the big leagues began in his hometown, where he first gained attention as a member of the Toms River East American Little League team that won the 1998 Little League World Series. His early success on the field set the stage for a career that would see him become a fan favorite in several MLB cities.
Frazier attended Rutgers University, where he played college baseball for the Scarlet Knights. His performance at Rutgers was impressive enough to catch the eye of MLB scouts, and in 2007, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round as the 34th overall pick. Frazier spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Reds on May 23, 2011.
During his time with the Reds, Frazier quickly established himself as a power hitter. In 2012, he finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, thanks to his 19 home runs and 67 RBIs. His breakout season came in 2014 when he hit 29 home runs and drove in 80 runs, earning his first All-Star selection. The following year, Frazier continued to excel, hitting 35 home runs and winning the Home Run Derby during the All-Star festivities held at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.
In December 2015, Frazier was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team deal. He continued to display his power-hitting ability, belting 40 home runs in 2016, which was a career-high. Despite his individual success, the White Sox struggled as a team, and in July 2017, Frazier was traded to the New York Yankees. His tenure with the Yankees was brief but memorable, as he helped the team reach the American League Championship Series.
Frazier's next stop was with the New York Mets, signing a two-year contract in February 2018. He provided veteran leadership and solid defense at third base, though injuries limited his playing time. After his stint with the Mets, Frazier returned to the Reds in 2020, albeit for a short period, before being traded to the Texas Rangers later that year.
In 2021, Frazier signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates but was released after a short stint. He later joined the United States national baseball team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped the team secure a silver medal.
Throughout his career, Frazier was known not only for his power at the plate but also for his engaging personality and leadership qualities.
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