Once viewed as a future cornerstone for the New York Yankees, former top prospect Clint Frazier has been in a career-free fall — most recently being designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs yesterday. Traded by Cleveland as the main package for Andrew Miller in 2016, Frazier instantly climbed to the top of New York’s farm system. In 2017, he was the team’s second-ranked prospect and the 24th-ranked prospect in MLB.
Frazier was touted for his power and projected to hit 30+ homers a season in his prime, yet he was unable to reach those expectations. Part of his struggles stemmed from the immense pressure the Yankees put on him. It’s hard for any player to get acclimated if they are constantly sent up and down between the majors and minors. Staying healthy has also been an issue throughout his career — mainly a left oblique strain in 2017, a concussion in 2018, and dizziness in 2021.
After being DFAed by the Yankees, he signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in December. He only appeared in 19 games with them, hitting .216, with one RBI, and an OPS of .653. Now on the move again, Washington should look to take a chance on the 27-year-old.
A year ago, we were about how the Nationals should take a flyer on the former fifth overall pick, stating:
"After a slow start to his career, he finally found some success in 2019, hitting .267, with 12 homers, 28 RBIs, and an OPS of .806. The next year, he hit .267, with eight homers, 26 RBIs, and an OPS of .905 in 39 games. Unfortunately, this past season Frazier took a major step back. He hit a meager .186 with five homers, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .633.A major reason for his struggles was injuries. He started dealing with dizziness in June and ended up missing the rest of the season. Over the past five years, he has dealt with numerous injuries that have sidelined him. In fact, he hasn’t had more than 246 plate appearances in a year.Despite his down year, this is a perfect player for the Nationals to buy low on. In the midst of a rebuild, they have the time to allow Frazier to work through his growing pains. Only 27, he fits the timetable for the team’s next core. His career wRC+ of 105 is slightly above league average, showing he can still be reliable with the bat."
Sitting at 21-38, the Nationals are in the first full year of their rebuild and are still a few years away from being ready to compete. Outside of Juan Soto, the Nationals outfield is full of question marks — allowing Frazier to compete for a spot immediately. Frazier would also have ample playing time and won’t be pressured to succeed right away.