Should the Colorado Rockies pursue former New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier?

The Colorado Rockies are in need of some outfield help this offseason and particularly, some help with their offense in general. The New York Yankees may have given the Rockies a chance at a player that could be a great option to address the outfield and their offense while buying low. That player is Clint Frazier. The New York Yankees designated Clint Frazier for assignment on Friday.

Clint Frazier, who was a Yankees fan favorite to be included in any trade proposal, had an awful season in 2021 and he was also injured for the final three months of the season, as he suffered chronic dizziness but when he is playing well and healthy, he can be a good player.

Former New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier could be an option for the Colorado Rockies.

Clint Frazier was acquired by the New York Yankees at the trade deadline in 2016 from Cleveland and, at the time, he was one of the top prospects in baseball. Prior to the 2017 season, MLB.com ranked him as the #24 prospect in baseball. But he never could put it all together for the Yankees. Perhaps, he could for another team, like the Colorado Rockies.

As with most players, there are pros and cons for him.

With the Yankees in 2021, he had his worst season as he had an OPS+ of 76, which is the worst in his career. He also was awful on defense, as he had -11 DRS in just 63 games. That’s why his rWAR was an awful -1.4. But Frazier has always had a good eye at the plate.

In 39 games in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he hit .267 but he had an OBP of .394 and a slugging percentage of .511. That was good enough for a 150 OPS+. In 2021, despite having an average of just .186, he still had an OBP of .317.

Perhaps, if he was at Coors Field, he would be able to get more consistency out of his bat.

But his injury history and his defense are two big red flags for the Rockies. Having a DH in the NL would help but he could be a big liability in the outfield, even if he is only out there for two or three days a week.

If the Rockies signed Frazier, he is just entering his first season of arbitration and he will roughly get $2.4 million in arbitration. But the Rockies would have three years of control on him for a cheap cost.

Overall, as with players that are at a low point, there is a lot of risk with Frazier but with getting out of New York, the right coaching on defense, and Coors Field, Clint Frazier could help the Rockies out in 2022.