As the 2020 MLB trade deadline looms closer, it is becoming more and more apparent that the Yankees will, once again, need to decide what they want to do with two important pieces of their roster. Similarly to last year, both Andujar and Frazier are rumored to be potential trade pieces for the Yankees due to the depth they have at their respective positions. Both Andujar and Frazier could yield a promising return if the Yankees do decide to trade them, but is that really the right move?
Clint Frazier
Clint Frazier came over to the Yankees in the trade deadline of 2016, when the Yankees sent all-star reliever Andrew Miller to the Indians. Going on his 4th season with the club, Frazier has yet to play even half a season due to the amount of depth the Yankees already have in their outfield. Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Giancarlo Stanton outline a packed Yankee outfield with Brett Gardner and Mike Tauchman also involved in the mix. Although Frazier has not received substantial playing time with the Yankees, he has shown signs of potential from what fans have seen out of him. His best performance came last year when he hit 12 home runs and drove in 38 runs while playing only 69 games. Frazier has also shown off his above- average arm in the outfield but has shown hints of lackluster fielding along with that. This year Frazier is off to a promising start through only a few games, even showing some glimpses of improved defense, which was something fans showed disapproval of in the past. The Yankees were in the same outfield dilemma last year as they are this year and Clint Frazier is right in the middle of it. Will Frazier’s performance secure him a spot on the team or improve his trade value? I guess only time will tell with that. The Yankees will undoubtedly be looking for an impact starter with control at this year’s trade deadline and Frazier could be the center-piece of the deal that lands them that piece.
Miguel Andujar
Miguel Andujar, who was signed out of the Dominican Republic when he was 21, was a solid part of the Yankees playoff run in 2018. Andujar finished second in ROY voting behind exciting Los Angeles OF/P Shohei Ohtani. Andujar hit .297 with 27 home runs and 92 runs driven in through 149 games. He showed tons of potential in 2018 only to be hit with the injury bug the following year, where he landed on the IL with a season ending shoulder injury. His injury paved the way for the offensive outburst from Gio Urshela, who stole the third base spot in 2019. With Urshela at third-base the Yankees decided to explore options with Andujar at first base but quickly came to the realization that both Luke Voit and Mike Ford were better defensive options there. Andujar is still a player who is yet to hit his prime, at only 25 years old, so it is inevitable that the Yankees will receive calls about him before the August 31st trade deadline. The 2019 injury poses a question on Andujar’s sustainability and potential impact to a ball club, so that in itself may play a role in trade-talks.
Whether the Yankees are motivated to move either of these players or not is unknown, but what is known is the interest many teams have of their services. If Brian Cashman has proven anything from past years, he is not afraid to make bold moves, but he will not budge on the value he holds in both players. It is unlikely both players will be moved come the deadline, but if the right deal presents itself to the Yankee front office, do not be surprised if one of these players is on the move.
For more MLB coverage, click here.
