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MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier (75) looks on during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier (75) looks on during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Clint Frazier

Clint Frazier was the centerpiece of the Andrew Miller trade last year for the Yankees. With Gleyber Torres out for the year with a serious elbow injury, the outfielder becomes their top trade chip. In some ways, Frazier may be more tradeable for the Yankees brass. With the emergence of Aaron Judge as a superstar, there is only one corner spot left in the New York outfield, and it may be reserved for Bryce Harper.

Frazier’s best tool is his incredible bat speed and raw power. He struggled last year after the trade, putting too much pressure on himself to perform and impress the Yankees. Frazier batted only .228/.278/.396 for the Yankees Triple-A club. His power stroke is just fine this year, and the 2013 first rounder has already hit 12 home runs and is slugging close to .500.

Most of Frazier’s weaknesses can be worked out with more time in the minor leagues. He has a tendency to get too aggressive at the plate and expand his strike zone, though he is walking more this year. His batting average has fallen off as he climbs the ladder and the breaking pitches get better. Those are the pitches he struggles with most. Frazier is only 22 and still has the time to make adjustments and learn to keep his long swing in check.

The Yankees desperately need a first baseman, and if the right opportunity presents itself, they should trade Frazier for someone like J.D. Martinez or Eric Hosmer. Frazier has 30-homer potential in the big leagues, but he may be more valuable to the Yankees as a trade chip.

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