White Sox acquire Reds 3B Todd Frazier in three-way deal, including Dodgers

The Chicago White Sox have acquired All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier from the Cincinnati Reds in a three-way deal that also includes the Los Angeles Dodgers. By acquiring Jose Peraza, who turns 22 in April after making his major league debut with the Dodgers this August, the Reds have their projected second baseman for years to come and Phillips can be traded. The White Sox sent right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, speedy infielder Micah Johnson and outfielder Trayce Thompson to LA. The trade allows Chicago to move recently acquired Brett Lawrie to second base as a part of revamped infield. The 21-year-old appeared in seven games in the majors with the Dodgers last season, hitting.182/.250/.318 in 25 plate appearances. “He is a high-character, smart baseball player who will provide an impact bat in the middle of our order”, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. “We feel it addresses a spot that has been rather hard to fill for an extended period of time at third base”.

The Reds have had their eye on Peraza, the fourth-rated prospect in the Dodgers organization, for a while.

Johnson was described by Friedman as a “plus-plus” runner, evidenced by his 31 steals this year between triple A and the major leagues. In Chicago, Frazier stands the chance to see a boost in runs scored and/or RBI depending on where he lands in that lineup.

The Reds’ acquisition of Scott Schebler, who hit three homers in 19 games in his first taste of major league action, also might make it a little bit easier to trade Jay Bruce, who has one year and $12.5 million left on his contract, plus a $13 million option for 2017. Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper, who ranks the Reds’ Top 30 prospects for the magazine and its annual prospect book, says Peraza would be anywhere from the Reds’ No. 1 to No. 3 prospect if he were re-ranking the system.

Peraza has hit. 281 or better in all of his minor-league stops and stolen as many as 64 bases in a season.

After a big 2014 season (.280/.365/.556, 28 home runs), Schebler had a tough time in his first taste of Triple-A in 2015, hitting.241/.322/.410 with 13 home runs. The White Sox slowly continue to build their team back to respectability at a fine cost, while the Dodgers swing another deal which gives them another future power arm. He was named an All-Star for the second straight season and became beloved in Cincinnati when he won the Home Run Derby, which was held at Great American Ballpark. Montas was the White Sox only Top 100 prospect last season, and he made seven appearances with the big league club, racking up a 4.80 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched.

It’s also worth noting that this is another National League player coming to the Sox, which doesn’t instill encouragement.

Montas was 5-5 with a 2.97 ERA in 23 starts at Double-A Birmingham in 2015, earning a September call-up. Thompson is the brother of Golden State Guard Stephen Curry and he has the ability to handle all three outfield positions, but scouts question if he will ever hit enough to be a regular.