Fresh off beating their rival Red Sox, and overtaking them for first place in the American League East and MLB Power Rankings, the Yankees have added a big piece back to their roster. Clint Frazier, the 15thoverall prospect in the MLB in 2016 has rejoined the roster after recovering from a concussion. During his rehab stint, Frazier hit .322 with four home runs. The biggest question that Frazier brings to the table is, what kind of impact can he have? Also, where will he fit?
Impact
Frazier brings more power to the team, as he’s shown a ton of power in the minor leagues, with 66 total home runs, and he hit four home runs during his time in the MLB last season. He also brings versatility to the team, as he came up through the Indians/Yankees minor league system playing every position in the outfield. That gives great defensive versatility and Frazier gives rookie manager Aaron Boone an opportunity to rest players, especially aging Brett Gardner. Frazier could also prove to be an offensive upgrade over Aaron Hicks, who is batting .215 this season and is a .231 career hitter.
Fit
Brett Gardner is the resident senior on the Yankees at 34 years old, and while he is still great on the basepath, he is hitting .227 this season. Also, factoring in the oft-injured and overpaid Jacoby Ellsbury, Frazier has the opportunity to slide in when he’s needed in both center and left field. Frazier’s versatility is a huge weapon for Aaron Boone in the field, and he would fit right in with the rest of the “Baby Bombers” in the order. Frazier (23) helps with the youth injection in the Yankee lineup that also includes Aaron Judge (26), Ronald Torreyes (25) and Gleyber Torres (21). If Frazier can find a way to break into the starting lineup every night, he could prove to be a big impact player.
