Yankees news, rumors: Who will be the starters in the outfield? Is Clint Frazier even a an option to make the team?

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

With the New York Yankees journeying forward towards spring training, we will get a first look at who could be starting in the outfield as defensive options, especially if Giancarlo Stanton slides into the designated hitter role. Factor in the absence of Aaron Hicks, who will be out for a few months to start the season, and Mike Tauchman, Brett Gardner, and Clint Frazier could see extend roles.

Taking a look at the New York Yankees outfield:

YES Network analysts John Flaherty and Jack Curry broke down the outfield positions and who the early favorites are for Opening Day.

Regarding Clint Frazier, who hit .267 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs over 69 games, Flaherty stated:

“I don’t see how he fits in because, to be honest. he’s not a major league outfielder,” Flaherty said on air. “We know he can hit. We know he can run. But hasn’t proved to anybody that he can play in the major leagues in left field at Yankee Stadium.

He continued to say that Stanton might not be a frequent flier in the outfield next season:

“I still think that the Yankees want to get Stanton out in left a little more than people are thinking coming into spring training. If he plays out there, I don’t think Frazier has a spot on this team.”

The Yankees need to get their star slugger into a defensive position considering how much they’re paying him to play, but his value ultimately comes from his slugging percentage. The Bombers must be careful with Stanton regarding potential injuries. Taking cautious will lead to his minimal play in the outfield, which is where Tauchman would inevitably slide in.

Curry added that Frazier will be fighting for a spot on the team this year, as his defense is still too weak:

“Clint Frazier has to make up a lot on the defensive side,” Curry added. “He has said that himself after the concussion that he endured (crashing into an outfield wall during 2018 spring training), the outfield situation became a little bit more difficult for him. I think it’s something in spring training the Yankees are absolutely going to work with him.”

I expect to see Tyler Wade in a more expanded role in 2020, featuring as a defensive option. He needs more reps to develop any consistency with the first team moving forward.

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