New York Yankees: Is Clint Frazier finally ready to claim his throne?

New York Yankees, Clint Frazier

The everlasting story of Clint Frazier’s desire to earn a starting role on the New York Yankees has once again reached a tipping point. Frazier has an opportunity to make an impact in 2020, while some of the starting outfielders battle injuries. Before the MLB suspended all operations, it was expected that Frazier would start the season in the outfield, but the expectation now is that Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge will return for the prolonged Opening Day.

Frazier’s polarizing nature has created confusion for a Yankees team that knows his potential but can’t manage to get him the reps necessary to establish a sense of consistency. Last season, Frazier struggled defensively at times, being sent back to the minors after a multi-error game against the Boston Red Sox. He proceeded to shun reporters and stray from the Yankee way.

However, that narrative has changed in recent weeks, as manager Aaron Boone has expressed his confidence in “Red Thunder.”

Boone used descriptive words like “concentration, focus, [and] professionalism” to describe Clint’s behavior this spring. The progress for Frazier hasn’t been limited to his physcial abilities; he’s also matured as a human and realized the negative attention he can draw to himself by being extraordinarily different.

Clint Frazier must follow the New York Yankees method:

Following the Yankee way is how he will earn himself more playing time on one of the best teams in baseball. In 2019, he batted .267 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs, showing off his power and bat speed. There’s no question that Frazier has one of the faster bats in baseball, but increasing his efficiency at the plate is now the goal.

This spring, Frazier really picked it up, hitting an impressive .320 with one homer, eight hits, and two RBIs over 25 at-bats. His ability to get on base was notable, having walked an astounding seven times. More patience at the plate signifies his increased maturity, which will hopefully aid in a breakout year for the young outfielder.

Mentioned in this article:

More about: