Fansided

5 Yankees who will exceed expectations in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEP 25: Gary Sanchez (24) of the Yankees hits a home run and is congratulated by Giancarlo Stanton (27) during the MLB regular season game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on September 25, 2018, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEP 25: Gary Sanchez (24) of the Yankees hits a home run and is congratulated by Giancarlo Stanton (27) during the MLB regular season game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on September 25, 2018, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 25: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 25: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

4. Clint Frazier

Lots of Yankees fans expected Frazier to bring his “Red Thunder” to the Bronx in 2018. Unfortunately, a series of concussions robbed him of that chance. The good news is that Frazier is feeling much better now and seems to be on track to enter Spring Training with a clean bill of health.

Getting another concussion is always going to be a risk for Frazier, but if he can stay healthy, he’s primed for a large number of at-bats in 2019. The Yankees did not re-sign Brett Gardner to play 140 games in left field. Barring an unforeseen free agent acquisition, Frazier is the guy who will pick up the games Gardner can’t handle.

That could allow Frazier to take over the job as his own. He’s not going to totally displace Gardner, but it’s not out of the question to think the 24-year-old outfielder could play around 100 games. If he gets that many at-bats, look for his power to start to emerge in a serious way.

It’s unlikely Frazier is ever going to hit for a great average, but his ability to launch the ball out of the park should make up for that. Don’t be remotely surprised if his slash line looks something like .270/.380/.500 next year with over 20 home runs. If he does that, his platoon with Garner is going to look really good for the Yankees.

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