The Cubs are signing former Yankee Clint Frazier in a deal that is certainly a prove-it contract in Chicago for the former top-five draft pick.
The Chicago Cubs have signed former Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier to a one-year deal for the 2022 season.
Frazier was drafted by Cleveland fifth overall in the 2013 draft and eventually made his way over to New York as part of a trade that sent Andrew Miller back to Cleveland in 2016 (Cleveland lost to the Cubs in the World Series that year).
He made his debut at the big league level in 2017. In five seasons, he had a .239 average with 61 home runs. He has spent a lot of time during his young career on the injured list, mostly for concussion trouble.
Clint Frazier signs a 1-year “prove it” deal with the Cubs.
Frazier and the Yankees had a very interesting relationship, both on and off the field. It was reported that when Frazier was coming up to the Yankees, he made multiple requests to the organization that they allow him to wear the retired No. 7 on his back (7 is retired for Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle). He was denied that request each time but kept persistently asking it be done.
He also made requests that he be able to grow his beard and the hair on his head long. If you’re not familiar with the Yankees organization, they do not allow their players to grow beards or hair beyond the covering of their hats in order to keep a professional appearance. Between the hair, the number, the concussions, and the performance, the Yankees decided it was time to part ways.
Frazier was entered into the Rule-5 draft but was unclaimed. After four of the 10 allotted days for teams to claim him on waivers, the Yankees decided just to release him and move on.
The Cubs are getting a 27-year-old top-five draft pick who they believe was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, and will hopefully fill a need in the outfield or first base and improve on his hitting. Frazier in return is receiving a second life in baseball with another historic franchise to prove he is a threat at the plate.
And even better, he can grow his hair and beard as he pleases.