5 Yankees with the most to prove heading into 2020

The spotlight will shine bright on Yankees utility man Tyler Wade in 2020

OF Clint Frazier

Two months ago, Clint Frazier was in line to get regular playing time. The entire Yankees starting outfield of Stanton, Judge and Aaron Hicks would have entered the season on the injured list.

Frazier would have been in the perfect position to erase his fielding woes in 2019 and solidify a future role in the outfield.

Thanks to the delayed season, Stanton is set to return, Hicks should only miss a short period of time if his timeline is similar to Didi Gregorius’ who returned from the same injury a year ago and signs point to Judge healing well.

Now, Frazier will have an even tougher time landing consistent playing time even with potential roster expansions. Of course, there is a chance the injury bug could bite New York again but it seems like a longshot that Frazier will get a legitimate chance to showcase himself.

Time is of the essence for Frazier. He is entering his final option season with an already loaded outfield. If he is unable to prove that he can field his position there is no way the Yankees will entrust him with a reserve role in 2021 and beyond.

Through his first three seasons in pinstripes, Frazier has proven to be a professional hitter, displaying his “legendary bat speed.”

Unfortunately, it may just come down to bad timing for Frazier. In 2018 when he could have found his footing in the Majors, he suffered an untimely and lengthy concussion. His next time up he came down with a case of the yips in the field.

It’s still too early to write Frazier off just yet but 2020 seems like his final chance to prove that he is a Yankee.