Atlanta Braves interested in an outfielder
By Fred Owens
Frazier pro and con
The Indians chose Frazier in the first round of the 2013 draft, fifth overall. Baseball America’s pre-draft scouting report ($) seemed to say he’s really good – not great, but really good.
". . . premium bat speed, solid athleticism. . .fast-twitch athleticism and strength in his hands, wrists and forearms. . .plus-plus raw power . . .compact swing (but lots of) swing and miss . . .above-average runner . . . Frazier should hit enough if he has to move to a corner . . ."
The Loganville, Georgia native moved through the Cleveland system quickly, displaying exactly those strengths and shortcomings. While good, Frazier consistently feel a little short of the hitter you expect as a first round pick.
As the Indians marched towards the 2016 World Series bolstered their bullpen with Andrew Miller sending Frazier, J.P. Feyereisen, Justus Sheffield and Ben Heller to the Yankees as compensation. I can actually see Brain Cashman doing his happy dance after agree to that deal.
AAA
The 2016 season saw the 21-year-old Frazier – five and a half years younger than league average – reach AAA for the first time. He struggled against the older, more experience pitching and didn’t find his groove, posting a .230/.271/.385/.657 line in his 30 games – 129 PA.
The 2017 season saw him once again in AAA but to the higher level of competition adapted better. In his first 120 games Frazier put together a .256/.344/.473/.817 line with a .357 wOBA and +123 wRC; on July first the Yankees called him up.