Clint Frazier, acquired from the Cleveland Indians as one of four prospects for reliever Andrew Miller, is an outfielder who was listed as the Tribe’s No. 2 respect by Baseball America before the 2016 season.
Frazier is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Loganville, Ga., who will turn 22 Sept. 6. He was Cleveland’s top pick – fifth overall – in the 2013 draft and signed for franchise-record $3,5 million. Baseball America him 21st on its recently released list if its Midseason Top 100 Prospects.
His top tool is power. Frazier began 2016 at Double-A Akron, batting .276 (94-for-341) with 25 doubles, 13 homers, 48 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 89 games. He appeared in the 2016 Futures Game and recently obtained a promotion to Triple-A Columbus, where he has appeared in five games and is 5-for-21.
While he adds the type of power, with a quick bat, only Aaron Judge has in the Yankees system – and will likely join Judge in Scranton, he has other tools that make him an exceptional prospect who could crack the Yankees lineup in 2017. He is equally adept in center field or either corner, With Akron, he sometimes alternated with fellow top prospect Brad Zimmer between center field and right field.
Scouts have noticed how he has improved his plate management and swing to been more consistent at the plate. His strikeout rates ha dropped dramatically over the past few seasons as his overall approach has matured.
Defensively, Frazier has all the ingredients to anchor center field. With both above-average speed and an above-average arm, which plays well at the corner outfield spots.
Overall, he becomes the top outfielder in the Yankees system, perhaps the club’s No.1 prospect. In the future, he could form a young power tandem with Judge in Yankee Stadium.
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