Ex-Yankees Former Top Prospect Reportedly Available; Should Red Sox Take Chance?
The Boston Red Sox have been surprising so far this season.
Boston entered the 2023 season expected to finish at the bottom of the American League East division and although it currently sits in last place, is 12-12 through 24 games. The Red Sox have won five of their first seven series of the 2023 season and although they currently sit at the bottom of the American League East standings, they could surprise some people this season.
The Red Sox have had some success early on, but one position that already has had its depth tested is the outfield. Boston lost slugger Adam Duvall to a wrist fracture and will be without him for the foreseeable future. The Red Sox currently have Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, and Alex Verdugo typically in the starting lineup with Raimel Tapia and Rob Refsnyder on the bench and Enrique Hernandez filling in when needed. If Boston wanted to add another depth piece at the minor league level, one person the team could consider is former New York Yankees top prospect Clint Frazier.
Frazier was drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Cleveland Indians and was traded to New York. He began his MLB career with the Yankees in 2017 and has played parts of six big league seasons. Frazier most recently played with the Chicago Cubs in 2022 at the MLB level. He signed with the Texas Rangers ahead of the 2023 campaign to a minor league deal and reportedly was released by the club, according to the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant.
The 28-year-old at one point seemed like he could be a star in the making but injuries and inconsistent play have derailed his career. He may not be a starting outfielder at the MLB level right now, but he could provide a team more depth. He's a six-year veteran who has shown some promise at points throughout his career. In 15 games at for the Triple-A Round Rock Express Frazier slashed .250/.350/.442 to go along with a home run before being released.
If Boston was interested, it could sign Frazier to a minor league deal with some upside. If he was able to tear it up at the Triple-A level and the Red Sox were hit by even more injuries, maybe he could make his way back to the big leagues. If he were signed and struggled at the minor league level, there would be no harm.
A move wouldn't necessarily impact the big league club but it never hurts to add more depth.
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