Fansided

5 questions the Yankees must answer before the MLB Trade Deadline

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 01: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees points to the sky after hitting a first inning home run against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 01, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 01: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees points to the sky after hitting a first inning home run against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 01, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Clint Frazier, New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees connects on his second inning home run against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Braves 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Is Clint Frazier trade bait?

Just a few short weeks ago, it seemed very likely that Frazier would be one of the most likely Yankees to be shipped out of town this season. Injuries to both Judge and Stanton, combined with Frazier’s hot-hitting, have now made the idea of dealing him untenable to Cashman and his front office.

Frazier got nine hits in his first 30 at-bats after being recalled from the team’s alternate facility. Perhaps more importantly, he also hit two home runs and drove in eight RBIs in that time frame. He’s played like a bona fide middle of the order hitter in Boone’s lineup.

That doesn’t make Frazier a better player than either Stanton or Judge, but he does have a clear advantage over both in terms of durability. He’s a guy the Yankees can count on to play 100+ games in a normal season. It’s unclear whether the same can be said for either Judge or Stanton.

That means it will take a giant return for the Yankees to consider parting with Frazier this season. Miguel Andujar is much more likely to get moved in the coming days. Big Red appears to have finally found a home with the Yankees.

Home/New York Yankees