Report: Yankees only dealing Frazier for pitchers controlled beyond 2020
The New York Yankees value control of Clint Frazier so much that they won't part with him unless they receive similar control in return.
New York will only trade Frazier, the former top outfield prospect who's currently in Triple-A, to acquire a pitcher who still has at least two years of team control remaining, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Previous reports indicated general manager Brian Cashman wouldn't part with Frazier for a pure rental like the San Francisco Giants' Madison Bumgarner or the New York Mets' Zack Wheeler ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. But Rosenthal reports the Yankees are also hesitant to deal him for pitchers with only one year of control left beyond 2019, such as Toronto Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman and Cleveland Indians All-Star Trevor Bauer.
Stroman and Bauer have both been linked to the Yankees in recent weeks and the two right-handers should be in high demand at the deadline, but both will reach free agency following the 2020 season.
Besides control, the Yankees' sudden reluctance to part with Frazier also stems from their high perception of him. Despite a wealth of outfielders at the major-league level, New York still sees Frazier as its potential long-term starter in left field as soon as next season, according to Rosenthal.
Frazier - who isn't scheduled to reach free agency until after the 2024 season - was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 16 despite posting a .843 OPS with 11 homers in the majors this year. It was a move likely made out of necessity after the team acquired Edwin Encarnacion from Seattle, but one the 24-year-old called a "tough pill to swallow."
The arrival of Encarnacion and returns of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge from the injured list have created a glut of outfielders and sluggers on the Yankees' roster. Veteran Cameron Maybin strained his calf Friday and is expected to miss significant time, however, and his injury could potentially re-open the door for Frazier in the Bronx.