New York Yankees: Four Moves to Make the Playoffs in 2017
By Jason Reed
4. Call-up Clint Frazier and Jordan Montgomery
When it comes to the New York Yankees farm system, Clint Frazier is the cream of the crop. Frazier was taken fifth overall by the Cleveland Indians in 2013, and was included in the deal that sent Andrew Miller to the Indians. Frazier, is ranked as the 15th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com and the Yankees 1st. Jordan Montgomery is only ranked 20th in the Yankees organization. However, Montgomery has pitched at AAA ball with insane numbers, which could see his inclusion in 2017.
Despite only batting .228 in AAA, Frazier remains one of the best talents in the minors. Many have touted Frazier’s raw power and his great fielding ability. Despite already having an outfield trio of Aaron Judge, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Brett Gardner, the Yankees should include Frazier on their opening day roster. Not only would it bolster their depth, they can move Judge to the DH slot. A true DH is something the Yankees lack, and could create that with Frazier.
As for Montgomery, he is a six-foot-six lefty that has put up great numbers. In AA, he posted a 2.55 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 102.1 innings pitched. In AAA, he posted a 0.97 ERA with 37 strike outs in 37 innings. Although the sample size is small, his fast advancement along with a good strike out rate should put himself in Yankee pinstripes next season. Montgomery could serve as a back-end arm if needed, likely transitioning out of the bullpen later in the year if need be.