Clint Frazier is Bringing His "Legendary Bat Speed" to the Chicago Cubs

At the 2016 trade deadline, the Cleveland Indians traded left-handed pitcher, Justus Sheffield, along with their no. 1 prospect, Clint Frazier, to the New York Yankees for left-handed reliever, Andrew Miller.

Here’s how Yankees GM, Brian Cashman, described Frazier’s talent:

“Frazier has an electric bat. His bat speed is already legendary. He’s got all the tools –he can run, he can hit, he can hit with power, he can play all three outfield positions. A very exciting, high-energy guy that shows up for the National Anthem in a dirty uniform.”

The Yankees gave away one of the best relievers in baseball, Andrew Miller, and received one of the greatest bats in MLB history, according to Brian Cashman. Fair trade.

Let’s look at what the future Hall of Famer, Clint Frazier, did to opposing pitchers last season:

218 plate appearances
5 homers
15 RBIs
34 hits
65 strikeouts
.186 batting average
.317 on-base percentage
.317 slugging percentage

How could the Yankees let this legendary bat speed walk out the door??

Sure, he could barely beat out 38-year Brett Gardner for playing time in the outfield and he spent more time carefully curating which cleats he was going to wear than he spent standing in the outfield but the Yankees could’ve used him.

Shocked they let Clint Frazier sign with Chicago after they moved Miguel Andujar from third base to left field to replace him even though Andujar had never played the position before and Frazier had played it his whole life.

But Frazier is only 27 years old.

It’s safe to say he had a weird relationship with the guys in the Yankees clubhouse and a change of scenery could revive this once-in-a-lifetime bat speed. When he’s not overcompensating for his size because he won’t be surrounded by Luke Voit, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, he might actually get his self-esteem back and get a hit or two.

It’s a 1-year deal with only $1.5 million guaranteed. He most likely won’t even start the season on the Major League roster. Perhaps his time in AAA against AAA pitching will trick more scouts into beholding his magical mysterious bat speed.

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