New York Yankees: Clint Frazier might never get his shot

When the New York Yankees traded for outfielder Clint Frazier, fans expected him to be a great complement for Aaron Judge. So far, Frazier hasn’t had several opportunities to shine in the Bronx. And he might not get many more in the future.

With Spring Training on the horizon, the New York Yankees seem set with their current roster. Thus, now analysts and journalists will begin to make lineup projections and how manager Aaron Boone will utilize his cadres.

Whether outfielder Clint Frazier is a part of this year’s winning equation is yet to be determined. But he may not receive an opportunity to showcase his worth in the Bronx.

Frazier’s call-up in 2017 was eventful, but Aaron Judge stole the show throughout that entire season and earned all of the recognition – rightfully so. Frazier then battled injuries, mainly post-concussion symptoms, most of last year.

Since New York traded for the former top prospect, he has entered a make-or-break stage in his career. He remains unproven at the MLB level, but the outfielder has just 54 games under his belt.

Nevertheless, he will have to make a statement during Spring Training to earn a spot on the Yankees roster. Even then, Boone will likely rely on veteran Brett Gardner in left field, despite his recent mediocrity.

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Gardner has been essentially the same player throughout his entire career when delving into his numbers. The 35-year-old primarily keeps his on-base percentage above .300, but he hasn’t hit better than .270 since 2013. He swipes double-digit bases and plays solid defense to retain his spot.

It doesn’t seem that Boone will have any other plan at this point. Thus, Gardner will have to hit his way out of his starting spot, unless Frazier enjoys a dominant stretch early on.

The 24-year-old was good in Triple-A last year, hitting .311 with 27 extra-base hits in 48 games. But the difference between MLB and minor-league pitching is substantial. Frazier remains unproven, though he continues to wield the bat speed, contact ability and power to succeed.

Aaron Hicks will likely remain in center field, though he was oddly inconsistent throughout much of 2018. He struggled mightily during April and May, yet hassled pitchers throughout most of June and especially in July.

Meanwhile, Boone will rely on Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge as usual, barring any injuries.  Jacoby Ellsbury also remains in the equation, as the Yankees want to squeeze every penny from the washed-out outfielder.

The most frustrating aspect is that New York’s general manager is fond of swapping for whatever the team needs. If Gardner struggles or one of the other bombers suffers a long-term injury, Brian Cashman might look toward the trade market for answers.

Even guys left in free agency are still viable options, though the Yankees likely won’t sign anyone else this offseason. Still, nearly any team is open to swapping with New York at any point in the season.

Frazier bodes well for the American League club, which boasts the right mix of reliable veterans and young talent. Two years ago, fans anticipated Frazier to be smacking 20 homers a game and starting alongside Judge, the other top prospect in New York at the time.

But Frazier may never get the chance to shine. If he doesn’t perform early and often for the Yankees, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him undergo a change of scenery.