Adam Frazier once again proved why he is a top MLB trade target.
In the Mets’ 13-4 victory at Citi Field on Friday night, the Pirates second baseman notched two hits, including a game-tying RBI single and a double, in his fourth consecutive multi-hit game. The 29-year-old has been one of the best players in baseball this season, with a slash line of .328/.397/.464 and an MLB-leading 111 hits.
The Mets are one of the teams interested in the first-time All-Star, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. But Frazier, who is under team control until 2023, said he doesn’t care about rumors.
“It’s cool because other teams want you. That means you are playing well and can add some value,” Frazier told The Post. “But I don’t really get caught up in it. I take it in stride.
“It has been about three years with trade speculation going around. You get used to it. I can’t control it. I focus on the game. Whatever happens, happens.”
Since making his MLB debut in 2016, Frazier has developed into an elite contact hitter. Frazier, who was a .348 hitter at Mississippi State, corrected some problems from a rough 2020 season, allowing him to regain his old form.
“I was swinging too hard and being too big last year,” said Frazier, who hit a career-worst .230 in the pandemic-shortened season. “Now, I am keeping things simple on the field. I am staying within myself and doing anything I can to put that ball in play.”
The Mets have a number of players who can man second base, including Luis Guillorme, Jeff McNeil, Jose Peraza and Jonathan Villar. While adding Frazier would certainly be a luxury for acting general manager Zack Scott, the All-Star’s talent is undeniable.
Nonetheless, there is familiarity between these two teams, who have already completed a trade this season — the Mets acquired Joey Lucchesi (via the Padres) for catcher Endy Rodriguez in a three-team deal. Plus, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington worked with Scott in Boston and they both got their first gigs under Theo Epstein.
No matter what happens, Frazier — who has limited distractions this year by “getting away from the phone and doing more reading instead of scrolling through Instagram” — said he is just focusing on baseball, as he did Friday night at Citi Field.
But at the very least, Frazier does enjoy his trips to New York.
“New York is fun. You walk around, shop a little bit, eat a little bit,” Frazier said. “The fans are great here. You have to be ready to play, soak it in and enjoy.”