With numerous injuries bringing down the Yankees to begin the 2019 season, Clint Frazier has been carrying the club offensively.
Last season we were optimistic about Clint Frazier’s potential, but what could have been Frazier’s breakout campaign was derailed by injuries. This year, we were similarly enthused, however with Judge, Hicks, Gardner, and Stanton all looking to share time in the Yankees outfield, there was not a place for Clint Frazier, who started the season in Triple-A. Unfortunately, Hicks started the season on the IL, Stanton joined him soon thereafter, and now Judge is going to be out for an extended period. Luckily, the Yankees have Frazier to pick up some of the slack, and he has delivered in a big way.
Clint Frazier leads the team with 17 RBI
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) April 21, 2019
I know RBIs are one of those old-timey stats, but Clint Frazier is tied for 10th in the A.L. in RBI and he was not even on the 25 man roster on opening day. Indeed, Frazier has taken advantage of his opportunities by batting a ridiculous .500 with runners in scoring position.
Clint Frazier absolutely demolished this baseball pic.twitter.com/Es2FPH1JAj
— David Mendelsohn (@BigBabyDavid_) April 21, 2019
It seems as though every time Frazier puts bat to ball, he’s hitting it hard. The observations are backed up by data as well. Frazier has a 48.0 “sweet spot percentage” (SwSp%), which puts him in league with the likes of fellow masher J.D. Martinez and just behind teammate Luke Voit.
Mike Trout: 18 games, .315 BA, 5 HR, 14 RBI
Clint Frazier: 16 games, .351 BA, 6 HR, 17 RBI 🧐
— Noah Clement (@Rocky_BalNoah) April 21, 2019
*Frazier actually went into Monday night’s matchup against the Angels and Mike Trout with a line of .339/.358/.661. If there’s anything to harp on, it’s Frazier’s lack of patience at the plate. On the other hand, if they’re throwing him pitches to hit, why not hit them?
Yankees Under-Age 25 with 5+ HR and .350+ BA in Team's 1st 20 Games:
Clint Frazier (2019)
Derek Jeter (1999)
Mickey Mantle (1956)
Lou Gehrig (1927)— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) April 21, 2019
Great company, obviously, and Frazier surely is thrilled to be mentioned in the same breath as these Yankees legends.
Clint Frazier is playing the best baseball on the Yankees right now. pic.twitter.com/XtaDvQaQGW
— Damon (@YankeesStan) April 20, 2019
Turns out Clint Frazier’s bat might just be as loud as he is. Homer No. 6, was 3-run shot, 429 feet. 106.8 mph exit velo. #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 21, 2019
Aaron Boone: Clint Frazier is a dangerous man with a bat in his hand. pic.twitter.com/HYV2cQQ96J
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2019
When it comes to confidence, Clint Frazier is on an "all-time high" … And can you blame him? pic.twitter.com/MtVyjpx2oO
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 21, 2019
Frazier is certainly feeling good after such a great start to the season, but he was prepared to step it up going into the season.
after a longggggggg battle with the concussion like symptoms i’m happy to tell u i’ve been cleared to participate in spring training and go after what i’ve wanted since being traded over here, to win an outfield job and show u guys what i can do. i’m readyyyyyyy. pic.twitter.com/qsi7LcMmbr
— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) January 17, 2019
It’s really great to see the former 5th overall pick finally making an impact in the majors. Let’s hope Frazier can continue mashing, the Yankees are certainly going to need him to with all their stars currently injured.