Frazier is a Bona-Fide Hitter, Not a ML Player
At the time of his demotion, Clint Frazier was batting .283 with 11 HRs, 34 RBIs, and an .843 OPS. No question, he was on the path to hitting 20-25 HRs this season.
That type of offensive production confirms Frazier is a bonafide hitter, but his fielding skills are poor and must be improved before he is considered a major league player.
Frazier’s on-field troubles begin and end with his outfield defense play and that was put on full display during a nationally-televised Sunday night game against the Boston Red Sox. He looked lost and tentative going after fly balls and the Yankee Stadium boos grew louder with every mis-play. You felt his struggles in the field did carry over to his at-bats as Frazier failed to run out several hard-hit ground balls. Showing a lack of hustle is a bad trait to have as a young player.
Typically, the Yankees bench is comprised of veterans who are at the point in their careers willingly to accept a limited role on a contending team.
Obviously, with a lineup like the Yankees, no pinch-hitters need to apply. Frazier will have to show a better glove in the field before gaining any consideration for a role off the bench in New York.