What Does the Future Look Like for Clint Frazier?
Back on June 16, 2019, Yankees nation was shocked to learn that Clint Frazier was optioned to Triple-A in order to make room for Edwin Encarnacion. Many believed that Mike Tauchman was the first to go and that Frazier wouldn’t be sent back until Aaron Judge returned, some even thought the Yankees may even try to make room for Frazier. Although Tauchman was optioned to Triple-A the next day, to make room for Giancarlo Stanton’s return, there was a lot of frustration and confusion circling this decision. Frazier expressed his frustration on and off the field; in fact, Frazier basically waited until the very last moment to report to Scranton, where he hit homerun in left center field during his first game.
Many wondered, what was the Yankees decision to moving Frazier first? Were the Yankees really thinking about trading Frazier for a starting pitcher like Madison Bumgarner or Zack Wheeler? Did the Yankees no longer believe that Frazier was the top prospect outfielder we had hoped he would be?
We can all agree that there were some bad defensive plays made and catches missed when he played right field. Let’s not forget, Clint Frazier is a left fielder! It’s not easy to transition from left field to right field, as there are a lot of adjustments you need to make. In a short amount of time, the pressure got to him; however, Frazier’s saving grace was his swing. Frazier left hitting .283/.330/.513 with 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 34 RBI in 209 plate appearances at the major league level this season.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Yankees will not be willing to trade Frazier for a rental pitcher or a pitcher with only one year of control remaining beyond this season. Rosenthal adds that the Yankees see Frazier as their left fielder in 2020. With this year more than likely being Brett Gardner’s last year with the Yankees, it only makes sense to have Frazier replace him. This will give Frazier the time to correct any defensive issues he may have had, and keep that bat hot and ready for 2020.
