One of the reasons the Yankees are still looking for a left fielder is because Jackson Frazier was unable to clinch the position.
Frazier signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on Friday after being released by the Yankees and Cubs during the offseasons of the previous two seasons.
Frazier, known to the Yankees as Clint, appeared ready to become the starting left fielder ahead to the 2021 season after Aaron Boone stated in February prior to spring training, “Clint has earned his place.”
Frazier had a.905 OPS in 39 games during the 2020 COVID-shortened season, during which he capitalized on the ailments of other outfielders to become a crucial member of the lineup.
Boone said later in the spring of 2021, “Especially with the improvements he’s made in every aspect of his game, at his age, his experience, success, and confidence that he’s continued to build have put him in a position to enter this camp as an everyday player. He surely deserves it.”
But Frazier, now 28 years old, struggled at the plate, was removed from a game in June due to dizziness, and never played in the majors with the Yankees again, bringing an end to a chaotic tenure with the team — with Frazier surrounded by his own problems and persistent concussion issues.
Jackson Frazier, whose first name was Clint while in New York, was unable to retain the starting position in left field and was subsequently released.
Last season with the Cubs, he was unproductive in both Chicago (.653 OPS) and Triple-A Iowa (.585 OPS).
After signing a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, he will receive a second — and possibly final — opportunity with Texas, where he will vie for a bench place.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have been unable to add a left-handed bat in left field, despite general manager Brian Cashman’s desire to do so.
Andrew Benintendi, who was acquired from the Royals prior to last year’s trade deadline, signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the White Sox, while the top trade target, Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds, remains with the Pirates.
The Yankees remain interested in free agents Jurickson Profar and David Peralta, as well as another potential trade target, Minnesota’s Max Kepler.
Without another addition, it appears like Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Estevan Florial will compete for the starting position, with Rafael Ortega and Willie Calhoun having signed minor league contracts with the Yankees this summer.
»Jackson (Clint) Frazier’s omission from the Yankees’ left field created a void«