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Down goes Frazier: Where do Red Sox turn now in 3B search?

USA TODAY Sports

Todd Frazier made so much sense for the Boston Red Sox that it's shocking it didn't happen.

For weeks, it appeared as though the Red Sox were bidding against themselves for the two-time All-Star before the New York Yankees swooped in late Tuesday to land Frazier in a seven-player blockbuster.

The Red Sox weren't able to match the prospects that New York gave up as part of the deal, and now president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will shift his attention to the rest of the market.

Working in the Red Sox favor is that they remain the only true suitor for a third baseman (barring another Yankees-esque surprise), and should have plenty of options to choose from:

Mike Moustakas, Royals

Dombrowski's patience could pay off as the Royals are struggling once again and could opt to become sellers at the deadline. Kansas City has gone 3-7 over its last 10 games, but still sits just three back in the AL Central.

Moustakas is the best third-base option who could potentially be available. The left-handed hitter is slashing .267/.299/.546 with a career-high 25 home runs and 16 doubles in 82 games this season.

Dombrowski can either continue to show patience and hope the Royals keep floundering, or can pull the trigger on someone who's available now.

Such as ...

Jed Lowrie, Athletics

Lowrie broke into the majors with Boston in 2008, and spent four seasons there before a trade to Houston.

Now healthy for the first time in three years, he's enjoyed a strong campaign, hitting .269/.335/.450 with 10 home runs and 27 doubles in 88 games. The 33-year-old is almost assured of being dealt before the deadline with the Athletics owning the second-worst record in the AL.

Lowrie, who has a $6-million team option for next season, would provide the Red Sox with another switch-hitter (along with Sandy Leon), though he's not had much success from the right side of the plate this year (.239/.292/.358 as RHB, .277/.346/.472 as LHB).

One knock against Lowrie is that he hasn't played third base since 2015, and it's the infield position (excluding first base) where he has the least experience after receiving the bulk of his reps at second base and shortstop.

Josh Harrison, Pirates

Harrison would likely be the most expensive piece to acquire for the Red Sox. The 29-year-old was an All-Star this season and is hitting .272/.352/.429 with 11 home runs, 16 doubles, and 10 stolen bases in 90 games.

Under contract through 2020 ($10.25 million in 2018, $10.5-million team option in 2019, $11.5-million team option in 2020), Harrison isn't a guarantee to be moved by the Pirates due to his long-term control.

Meanwhile, with top third-base prospect Rafael Devers expected to make his MLB debut for Boston late this season, the Red Sox won't want to tie up the position long term, though Harrison's ability to play multiple spots on the field makes him attractive.

David Freese, Pirates

Should the Pirates be unwilling to deal Harrison, the Red Sox could pivot to Freese. The 34-year-old is hitting just .242 and is slugging .357, but does own a .371 on-base percentage and ranks ninth among MLB third baseman in defensive runs saved. Freese has a $6-million team option for 2018 as well.

Asdrubal Cabrera, Mets

The Red Sox have reportedly kept tabs on Cabrera, and it's expected the veteran shortstop could be had for cheap due to rumors about his unhappiness with the Mets playing him at second base.

Cabrera has spent his entire 11-year career in the middle infield and has only appeared at third base once - back in 2007 - which could also be an issue if Boston hopes to move him there. The 31-year-old, who has an $8.5-million team option in 2018, is hitting .247/.333/.401 with nine homers and 11 doubles in 68 games.

Eduardo Nunez, Giants

Nunez, a free agent this winter, earned his first career All-Star nod last season and while he's still putting up solid offensive numbers, the power displayed in 2016 has taken a dip - the 30-year-old is slashing .295/.319/.407 with four home runs, 19 doubles, and 17 stolen bases in 69 games. While Nunez wouldn't give the Red Sox the slugging they need, he would provide another strong baserunner who can play a number of different positions, including third base.

Yunel Escobar, Angels

After a brief surge the Angels have faltered of late. Though they still find themselves just four games back in the wild-card race, they could look to sell off some pieces. Escobar is a free agent this winter and is once again enjoying a strong year at the plate, hitting .284/.343/.408 with six home runs and 16 doubles in 75 games.

Martin Prado, Marlins

Prado was linked to the Red Sox this past month, though his fit in Boston doesn't make a lot of sense. The 32-year-old, who's owed $28.5 million over the next two seasons, is hitting .250/.279/.357 with two home runs in 37 games, and is currently on the disabled list with a sprained right knee.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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