Clint Frazier
Are you watching this year’s postseason, seeing Andrew Miller’s filthiness and yelling: “this Clint Frazier kid better be worth it!” Well, you’ll get a better idea of his capabilities in 2017.
After being acquired at the deadline, the 19-year old was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and didn’t exactly light it up.
In 25 games, Frazier slashed a mere .228/.278/.396 and struck out 29.7% of the time while hitting just three homers. Overall in 2016, he maintained an OPS of .782, a discouraging sign by the organization’s top prospect.
Nevertheless, his talent cannot and will not be denied.
According to MLB Pipeline, Frazier’s bat speed and raw power are among the best in the Minor Leagues and suggest the ceiling of an All-Star. He may not be that for the Yankees in 2017 but there’s an immense possibility that he makes his Bronx debut.
That possibility increases if a trade involving left fielder Brett Gardner occurs.
Last year, New York didn’t experience any production, power, or speed from Gardner or Jacoby Ellsbury and while Cashman instituted change in the infield and behind the dish, arguably their most ineffective players remained untouched.
It’s close to impossible to deal the contract of Ellsbury, yet Gardner may be on his way out. With that, you have to keep a close eye on Frazier who may put the pressure on the Yankees’ GM to deal him either this offseason or the deadline.
The kid has a ton of talent and we all paid witness to what Gary Sanchez did in the second half of last season. Perhaps Frazier plays that role of a kid who comes up halfway through and really gives the team energy while perhaps sparking a run. That all depends on if he can channel his potential in the Electric City.
