Chicago Cubs: Breaking down a no-risk, high-reward Clint Frazier signing

Chicago Cubs: Can Clint Frazier make key adjustments at the plate?

His dismal offensive season, paired with his always lackluster defense, spelled the end in New York, but now the Cubs have an opportunity to fix him. If Frazier’s increased walk rate isn’t an enigma, and the team helps him find his power stroke again, there’s reason to have a lot of hope for this signing.

One issue that the Cubs will likely try to focus on is Frazier’s strikeout problem. Frazier struck out in 29.8 percent of his plate appearances in 2021, which is simply not feasible if you only slug .317 as he did. Getting Frazier to make at least a little more contact could go a long way in helping his offensive game, as he has natural power that the team needs to find a way to harness.

There’s plenty of development that needs to be done, but a young player with the potential that Frazier has flashed in the past is worth the gamble for the Cubs as they continue to work their way back to contention. Frazier is likely to see a lot of playing time this season, so he’ll certainly have an opportunity to redeem himself.

While many will take a signing like Frazier as an excuse for the Ricketts and the front office to be cheap, it’s smarter to take it as a gamble with almost no risk. He has had offensive success at the major league level in the past, and the Cubs are banking on him blossoming as he gets more consistent at-bats. It’s a calculated move from Jed Hoyer and company, and hopefully one of many such signings the team makes.