New York Yankees: 5 offseason moves needed to reach 2020 World Series

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees reacts during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros in game two of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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BRONX, NY – SEPTEMBER 02: Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, September 2, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

2. Trade Clint Frazier

Every Yankees fan wanted their front office to pull off a blockbuster trade at the deadline this year, with young outfielder Clint Frazier’s name popping up in every potential deal. The 25-year-old came to the Yankees as a top prospect in the deal that sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland. Frazier has yet to fully establish himself in the Yankees starting lineup but is still viewed as a high-upside hitter.

In parts of three seasons with the Yankees, Frazier has hit .254/.308/.463 with 26 doubles, four triples, 16 home runs and 56 RBI in 123 games. He hit .267/.317/.489 in 69 games this season with 12 home runs and 38 RBI in what was his most extended stay in the big leagues. Frazier still has room for improvement when it comes to his approach at the plate, but his strikeout rate has been manageable — 126 whiffs in his 123 games. He will need to work on plate discipline to reach his full potential, as he has walked only 28 times in 429 MLB plate appearances.

Frazier has also been held back in New York by his fiery personality and defensive miscues. He has not handled the media well and has also been a liability in the outfield. When pressed on his poor defense by the press, he has not taken the criticism well and has also compounded his mistakes with an apparent lack of hustle.

There’s no reason to believe Frazier can’t iron out the rough edges of his game and become a star, but it no longer looks like he will find an opportunity in New York. He was sent to the minor leagues even while hitting well and does not have a clear path to a starting job. The Yankees held off on trading him for a starting pitcher this July but should shop him and pull the trigger on a deal this winter.

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