As our own Alexander Wilson reported earlier this Wednesday, New York Yankees‘ manager Aaron Boone spoke with reporters at length about several important aspects concerning the team.
One of them was who would be the starter at left field. By now, it is clear that Aaron Judge will occupy right field whenever he is healthy, and Aaron Hicks will patrol center field if he is available to play.
But the Yankees’ skipper confirmed 2020 breakout star Clint Frazier as the starter in left field. Let’s keep in mind that the vast majority of his 280 innings in the outfield last season came in right field, spelling an injured Judge.
However, there is an opening in left field after the Yankees revealed, weeks ago, that the plan is for Giancarlo Stanton to be the regular designated hitter. That spot will go to Frazier.
When asked whether he viewed Frazier as the Yankees’ starting left fielder, Boone said: “I do, Clint has obviously come a long way in every aspect of his game and certainly earned his place last year when obviously nothing was given to him. He had to earn everything the last couple years.”
The Yankees’ breakout star
In 2020, not only Frazier broke out with the bat, slashing .267/.394/.511 with a career-high 15.6 BB% and eight home runs in 39 games, but he also was a revelation with the glove and was a Gold Glove finalist in right field.
Frazier’s biggest test in his career will be sustaining the level that he showed in 2020 with the Yankees. He appears to have cemented his place as a long-term piece in the organization, but a full season of excellence won’t hurt.
The Yankees’ pitchers and catchers reported to the spring training complex onn Wednesday after a long layoff. The team will make another run at their 28th title.