New York Yankees top outfield prospect Clint Frazier is currently riding out an epic hot streak and could be making a serious call-up case.
When a prospect with an ETA of 2017 starts raking Triple-A like top New York Yankees prospect Clint Frazier is right now, one can’t help but assume he’s oh-so-close to earning a Major League promotion.
The 22-year-old is currently experiencing an on-base streak of 16 games (dating back to May 26) and over his last five games, Frazier has gone 9-for-21 with four extra-base hits (two home runs), five RBIs, six stolen bases and six runs scored — slash line of .429/.458/.810.
On Saturday night, Clint Frazier’s two homers against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs gave him the lead among RailRiders’ hitters in home runs (11). In Tuesday night’s win over the Rochester Red Wings, Frazier’s International League-best seventh sacrifice fly extended his team-leading total in RBIs (35).
When compared to the rest of the league, Frazier is tied with Christopher Bostick for the most doubles (18), ranks third in extra-base hits (29), tenth in slugging percentage (.502) and leads his squad with 30 walks.
Those numbers are clearly sparked from his increased plate skills. Frazier’s 11.9 BB/9 rate is a career-high while his 21.3 percent strikeout rate ties his career-low.
With the way the major league outfield is playing (ranks first in WAR), there doesn’t seem to be an opening for the best outfield prospect in the system. The fact that he’s not on the 40-man yet makes guys like Rob Refsnyder and Mason Williams first choice in case of injury, but Frazier is nevertheless turning some heads in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Brett Gardner (3-for-his-last-18) might be returning down to Earth from his astronomical stretch and if he, or any other Yankee outfielder, experiences any sort of extensive depreciation, Frazier may get his shot.
Again, he’s only 22 with absolutely no rush, but the adjustments Clint Frazier has made could help reach his ceiling as an All-Star outfielder that hits with an average close to .300 with 30 homers per season. While the Yankees are on an incredible stretch, 2017 is still nevertheless about evaluating talent and Frazier’s bat in Yankee Stadium could be some sight to see.
