TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 24: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees looks on before the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Steinbrenner Field on February 24, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Big Red may finally be on his way back to the Bronx. The Yankees decision to option Thairo Estrada opens the door for Clint Frazier’s return.
Aaron Boone has been adamant in his belief that Clint Frazier is ready to help a major league team ever since the moment he was first optioned to the team’s alternate site. It seems the Yankees may now be the team set to benefit from Frazier’s bat at the major league level.
The team’s decision to option Thairo Estrada back to the organization’s alternate facility opens up an open spot on the Yankees‘ active roster. Boone needs to add another outfielder to the mix with Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list. That likely means the organization will be forced to make a tough choice between Frazier and Miguel Andujar.
What could Clint Frazier give the Yankees?
Andujar broke camp at the major league level but was optioned after enduring a nightmare start to the season at the plate. The idea behind sending him down was to give him a chance to work out the mechanics of his swing against pitchers in front of the organization’s developmental coaching staff.
It’s highly unlikely he’s been in Scranton long enough to correct the issues that were plaguing him in the Bronx. That’s why the smart money is on Andujar to stay put. In sharp contrast, Frazier wasn’t struggling to hit pitching at all during Summer Camp. It’s reasonable to think he can come right up to the major league level and provide the team a significant offensive boost. Questions about his defense remain, but he should be able to take some of Stanton’s at-bats at DH right away.
It’s always possible the Yankees could go with Andujar again, but this time, it looks like Frazier is set to get a chance to make his mark. This might be his last opportunity to prove he’s worthy of being a regular for New York.