Guardians: Clint Frazier would be an ideal fit for 2022

The Yankees released Clint Frazier who could be a Guardian again.

The Yankees have designated Clint Frazier for assignment. The oft-injured outfielder that they got from the Guardians in 2016 for Andrew Miller has played his last game for the Yankees, assuming he doesn’t opt for free agency. Frazier has three options, not all under his control. He could be claimed by another major league club, he could take the assignment to the minors for the Yankees or he can void his contract and hit free agency.

If he does hit free agency, the Guardians should absolutely make a run at him. That is, assuming the Cleveland front office doesn’t just snag him off waivers.

While Frazier never played for the major league roster during his time in the organization, his departure from the Yankees could see the once-vaunted Guardians prospect an opportunity to prove his mettle in Cleveland.

Clint Frazier fills a few holes for the Guardians

Cleveland needs help in the outfield still. Bradley Zimmer has yet to show he can be anything more than a salvageable bench player. Josh Naylor suffered a catastrophic lower leg injury and the likelihood he’s back to form in 2022, let alone back at all, is still very much not in his favor. Harold Ramirez played well when given a chance but he’s not exactly a game-breaker. The only player who’s a lock to be a starter is center fielder Myles Straw. He’s the Guardians’ future lead-off hitter and a defensive Gold Glove-caliber defender.

Frazier would be an ideal fit with Cleveland because of those issues.

Assuming Frazier is an everyday starter, who’s healthy, Frazier could easily hit 25 home runs in a season while hitting .265. His 2021 was a wreck. He hit only .186 and only played 66 games. Yet, if you’re looking for a guy who has more upside than his future contract would dictate, a team like the Guardians would be wise to swoop in while his stock is down.

If you get him a good, team-friendly deal, with incentives peppered in, Frazier’s play could seriously out-pace his contract. If he remains hurt, and ineffective at times, the contract won’t be hard to move on from. Get it for a two or three-year contract and you may in fact stabilize the outfield position.

Even if not, you’ll have depth and a solid defensive player.