2018 Pinstripe Preview: Clint Frazier

The Bronx Bomber Ball team is gearing up for the 2018 season by reviewing all the players on the 40-man roster. Here we look at where the player stands and what the 2018 season could mean for them. The first installment of the 2018 BBB Pinstripe Preview is former New York top prospect, Clint Jackson Frazier.

MLB.com

2017 Production

Statline: 39 GS, 134 AB, 31 H, 16 R, 9 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 17 RBIs, 43 K, .231 BA, .268 OBP, .715 OPS, -0.4 WAR

The prized jewel from the 2016 Andrew Miller trade was a regular headline-grabber last year, on and off the field. Spring training started with a lot promise for the young outfielder, as fans were ready to see an extended look at Frazier’s legendary bat speed, but a bit of controversy surrounded his pinstripe spring debut. Rumors about Frazier’s request for the retired number seven jersey infuriated many fans and media members alike but was proven to be a false rumor soon after. Next was the luscious red hair dictating the conversation as manager Joe Girardi had to ask Frazier to comply with the team's famous hair rules, which he happily obliged to. In spite of all this, Frazier played well enough in spring training to cause many to clamor for him to gain a roster spot on the big league roster.

The Georgia native would get a chance to prove his worth when his minor league teammate, Dustin Fowler, went down with a gruesome leg injury in his MLB debut. Frazier made his debut in Houston against Astros on July first, where the left fielder went 2-4 with a double, a home run, and one RBI, and he would quickly become a fan favorite once again. Frazier played the game as boldly as his crimson locks, running the bases with an exciting, aggressive mentality, and most importantly, coming up in big moments as well. However, his hot streak came to an end in August, and after an oblique injury, Frazier would never regain his regular spot on the Yankees due to a backlog at the position, finishing the year with a less than impressive stat line.

2018 Outlook

Unfortunately for Frazier, there is an even worse backlog at his position with the addition of Giancarlo Stanton to the Bombers this offseason. This excess put Frazier at the center of some trade talks this offseason, but as of now, Frazier looks to remain a Yank for the 2018 season. Frazier has undeniable talent, and a work ethic to match, so at some point, the club is going to have to decide on the bodacious outfielder.

If the team can move on from Jacoby Ellsbury, Frazier could become the team's fifth outfielder, but more likely he is going to have to wait for Ellsbury and Brett Gardner to move on before he becomes a regular at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have plenty of outfield depth in the minors as well, which should give Frazier great competition to push himself even further. The former Cleveland Indian draftee was originally selected as a centerfielder in 2013, which may be where he has to play if he wishes to get to some playing time for the Yankees.

There is still a sizeable chance Frazier gets traded at some point in 2018, but if injuries hit the Bronx outfield, Frazier will likely be the first in line to make an impact on the MLB level. When Clint Jackson Frazier eventually does get it going, which is sooner rather than later, he will be a must-start, but whether or not it is for the Yankees is the real question.

Article by Maxx Hotton

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