New York Yankees: How has Clint Frazier been doing?

New York Yankees, Clint Frazier
May 28, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier (77) reacts during an at bat against the San Diego Padres during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the New York Yankees controversially demoted Clint Frazier to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has batted just .231 with two home runs. He is slugging .396 with just a .276 on-base percentage. With his short time in the majors, Frazier batted .283 with 11 home runs while slugging .513 and a .330 on-base percentage (Baseball Reference). Did the demotion to Triple-A hurt the young slugger’s confidence?

Following the news of Frazier’s demotion on June 16th, he met with media saying, “Yeah, pretty surprised,” Frazier said, adding, “It’s a tough pill to swallow. It’s never fun especially with how much I’ve felt like I’ve contributed to this team this year.”

It is apparent that the young slugger is not playing the way he usually does down in the minors. He is batting .158 over his last ten games. Until last night, Frazier had gone 90 at-bats without hitting a home run.

Frazier’s future with the Yankees

General manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that the club intends to add at the trade deadline. They could be targeting Madison Bumgarner, Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, or someone else. Among other Yankee prospects, Clint Frazier has been the hot topic in trade rumors for the Bombers. An MLB scout ranked 10 Yankee prospects and Clint Frazier landed himself at #2 on the list. Other teams would definitely be interested in acquiring Clint Frazier, as he gives youth and a strong bat in a full-time role.

I personally believe if the Yankees are truly intending to add a starting pitcher at the deadline, Clint Frazier will be traded away. Emotionally, this hurts. Logically, it all makes sense. The Yankees already have so much outfield depth, having a 6th or 7th outfielder won’t do the team any good.