Let’s be honest, this year’s hot stove has seen many free agents falter to the backburners. Giancarlo Stanton and Shohei Otani clogged the market in the beginning stages and we have yet to recover since. Big names such as JD Martinez, Eric Hosmer, and Jake Arrieta are all still jobless with less than a month until spring training commences. And those who aren’t in for that big of a payday have flown quietly under the radar. This includes New Jersey native Todd Frazier, whose wish is to stay close to his home and family. With the Yankees and Mets still in need of a third baseman, could Frazier strike gold with a deal? Or will the Toddfather have to pack his bags and take his talents elsewhere?

After coming over from the White Sox at last season’s trade deadline, Frazier was a key component to the Bombers’ deep postseason run. Although his stay was short, and the strikeouts were well above average, the Toddfather quickly became a fan favorite to the team he once loved as a kid. Providing the spark with his thumbs down movement and clutch home runs, it seemed as if he had finally found a new home in the Bronx. But time passed, and the Yankees declined to give Frazier an offer by the time of the Winter Meetings. Back in December, Yankees GM Brian Cashman traded their current third baseman Chase Headley to San Diego in order to clear a spot on the 25-man roster. What many fans expected next was the resigning of Frazier, but instead they were met with comments on how Cashman has his eyes on the future. Down at Triple A in Scranton, Pennsylvania, two young studs are also competing for a chance to join the major league roster. Top prospects Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres seem poised to take over at both third and second respectively, leaving Frazier without a consistent role. With rumors swirling about the Evil Empire possibly re-acquiring Starlin Castro from Derek Jeter’s Marlins, it might be time for Todd Frazier to move on. However, the crosstown rival New York Mets are also in the market for some help at the hot corner.

David Wright may never play baseball again. After an illustrious career for the Mets, Wright has dealt with numerous injuries to his shoulder that haven’t allowed him to play regularly in almost three years. While still under contract, it might be time for the Metropolitans to seek help from outside of the organization. Cue Todd Frazier. A power threat at the plate who could immediately be slotted in the middle of the Mets’ young lineup. After a disappointing season in 2017, the Mets are looking to bounce back in a big way. With really no depth at the third base position in the minors, Todd Frazier could be the player they’ve been searching for. One obstacle might be the tight Mets’ payroll. As they prepare to pay hefty contracts to Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto, New York really isn’t able to give Frazier the deal he may be seeking. While not the first choice, Wilmer Flores has played well enough to man the position and could be the starter come this season. The signing of Jose Reyes further complicates the Mets’ 2018 plans.

If not the Yankees or Mets, then where else? Teams like the Red Sox and Cardinals could also use a third baseman, but neither has been in negotiations quite as serious as both New York teams. In a recent interview done with The Athletic, Frazier said he feels “as healthy as he’s ever been” and ready to contribute to any team that gives him the chance. With the offseason nearing its end, who will give the Toddfather a thumbs up?