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Yankees: 3 Potential Clint Frazier Trades That Make Sense

By Jerry Trotta |
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees bats during the first inning of game two of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees bats during the first inning of game two of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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The Yankees should trade outfielder Clint Frazier after his latest demotion.

Some fans might view New York’s latest roster transaction as a surprise considering the sheer need for as many able bodies as possible, and how well this player has performed thus far. However, if history has taught us anything, the move just further confirmed that Clint Frazier has zero future with the Yankees.

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Over the weekend, the Yankees announced that they option the 25-year-old outfielder — as well as reliever Ben Heller — to their alternate training site. Though the decision was ultimately his, manager Aaron Boone hated every part of demoting Frazier.

With the entire outfield healthy, there’s simply no way for Boone to give the young slugger consistent game time. Benching one of Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton isn’t going to happen, and, while a case could be made for sitting Aaron Hicks, his glove in centerfield is invaluable, which makes him a must start. Add in Mike Tauchman and Brett Gardner’s place in the pecking order, and…yeah.

It pains us to say it, but it would be best for both the Yankees and Frazier if the club traded him, so let’s highlight a few potential trade destinations and packages that general manager Brian Cashman could explore for the former No. 5 overall pick.

Angels stars Mike Trout and Albert Pujols (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Angels stars Mike Trout and Albert Pujols (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

3. Los Angeles Angels

We can all agree that it would be better for baseball if Mike Trout was playing in October on a yearly basis and advancing beyond the early rounds. What makes the Los Angeles Angels a realistic trade partner with the Yankees is the fact that they have the young prospects to get a deal done. On top of that, their corner outfielders are nothing special, meaning Frazier should be able to carve out a role as a starter. A Trout-Upton-Jo Adell-Frazier OF + DH crew would be fun for the whole family.

A package featuring left-hander Patrick Sandoval, the Angels’ No. 6 overall prospect, according to MLB.com, and outfielder Trent Deveaux (No. 15 overall) should be enough for the Yankees — who could use a southpaw in their righty-dominated farm system — to agree to this deal.

With Justin Upton and Albert Pujols in the twilight of their careers, trading for Frazier would set the Angels up with a daunting future core in their lineup of Trout, Anthony Rendon, Shohei Ohtani and Frazier.

Royals stars Whit Merrifield and Jorge Soler (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Royals stars Whit Merrifield and Jorge Soler (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

2. Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals might be everybody’s dark horse candidate to make the playoffs this season, but they won’t be advancing past the Wild Card or Divisional Round if they don’t acquire another bat to complement the likes of Whit Merrifield, Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier.

Luckily for KC, Frazier to make one of the two corner outfield positions his own, with most of the infield locked down with versatile weapons.

You just know that the Yankees will have their eyes on touted lefty Kris Bubic, the Royals’ No. 6 overall prospect. However, if they feel that isn’t enough of a haul for a player of Frazier’s caliber, New York could easily ask for No. 18 overall prospect, shortstop Jeison Guzman, in addition to Bubic.

After all, two top-20 youngsters is likely what it’s going to take for any team to pry Frazier from the reigning AL East champs.

Rockies stars Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Rockies stars Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

1. Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are in a pretty weird spot right now.

After a 71-91 finish last season and with no real ambitions for the truncated 2020 season, they could be poised to expedite their eventual rebuilding efforts by offloading studs Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon. As far as we know, the Yankees aren’t in the market for either of those two players — at least, not right now.

Trading for Frazier to fill future offensive gaps will only bolster those efforts, and Colorado has just the sort of young talent that New York is undoubtedly pursuing. The Rockies have a trio of third baseman in their top 10, so they shouldn’t mind jettisoning one in return for a slugging outfielder. Perhaps No. 7 ranked Colton Welker, as well as 19-year-old southpaw Helcris Olivarez (No. 17 overall) would be enough to entice the Yanks.

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