Cubs: Accepting reservations for the Clint Frazier hype train

Not only is Clint Frazier one of the good guys in the game, but he’s someone who has faced obstacle after obstacle since Cleveland drafted him in the first round nearly a decade ago.

After being traded to the Bronx in the Andrew Miller deal, he immediately had those Big Apple expectations placed upon him, only to battle concussions and lingering after effects that derailed him on multiple occasions. Now, though, he feels healthy and is turning heads on a daily basis in Cubs camp down in Arizona.

Looking to separate himself from a crowded outfield mix, Frazier continues to rake in Cactus League action – you can see for yourself just how well he’s barreling balls right now.

Now, over the weekend, I wrote a piece talking about how Frazier has labeled this the ‘biggest year’ of his career. It’s not hard to see the logic behind such a statement. He’s got a clean slate on the North Side, is free of the constant ire and criticism that comes with being a Yankee and is now in a situation where he could see regular reps in the outfield.

Personally, I’d love to see Frazier get an Opening Day start next Thursday. Some combination of Frazier, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki would be something to behold – although that would potentially leave Jason Heyward on the outside looking in, but I suspect we’ll get clarification on that front between now and then. 

A Carlos Correa or Trevor Story signing (or, heck, even re-signing someone like Kris Bryant or Javier Baez) would’ve made a lot of noise this winter. Instead, aside from the Suzuki and Marcus Stroman signings, the Cubs opted for a wait-and-see approach, adding a ton of guys on short-term deals while they evaluate what they might have internally.

Cubs: Clint Frazier has a chance to force his way into the team’s plans

Frazier has the chance to force his way into the team’s long-term plans and, given the amount of struggles he’s already experienced, if he’s healthy late in the year and producing, there could easily be some mutual interest in working out an extension.

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For now, though, the former first-rounder is taking things day-by-day and the result to this point has been some really eye-catching performances.