Twins MLB Draft Profile: Clint Frazier, OF

Who IS This Guy?

Clint Frazier is a high school center fielder from Georgia. He is widely considered to have the best bat speed in the entire draft, which enables him to have very good raw power. His 5-foot-11 frame has a muscular build at 190 pounds. This makes it tough to project him adding more weight but he looks like an MLB player. He also plays with a ton of energy and is recognized for his intensity.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are some questions about whether he can stick in center field. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]He is starting to track the ball well and he continues to improve his ability to finish plays. His arm strength is very good, even with some tendonitis concerns, but he needs to work on his accuracy.

Who Could He Be?

There is the potential for Frazier to develop into a five-tool player at a premium position. He has the chance to make multiple All-Star teams or at least be a solid regular player.

One of the biggest holes in his game has been pitch recognition. He goes up to the plate looking fastball and he can destroy hanging breaking balls. Pitchers have been able to get him out with below average breaking pitches. If this improves, he could be a monster on the offensive side of the ball.

Tendonitis issues have lowered Frazier’s arm strength from plus to above average. If he gets back to his previous level, his defensive value would pair nicely with his solid offensive projections.

There is some risk with Frazier but he could reward a team by becoming a perennial All-Star.

How Soon Could He Be Playing In Target Field?

Frazier will be 18 years, 9 months old on draft day. This puts him on a similar path to the major leagues as Byron Buxton. He will likely spend the end of this coming summer in rookie ball.

Like Buxton this year, he could start 2014 at Low-A. He would spend 2015 at High-A and 2016 at Double-A. This timetable would leave him close to making his big league debut.

The Twins let Aaron Hicks skip Triple-A; Frazier has the potential to make that type of move. If he takes care of some of his flaws, he could be an everyday starter by 2017.

If the Twins Draft This Guy, They Messed Up Because...

Frazier might end up busting out in the minor leagues. He doesn't have room to grow into his body so the potential to add power isn't there.

There will likely be better players available at number four. He also has red hair and apparently a good big league player can't have red hair according to old school scout analysis.

The Twins could work out a deal with Frazier before the draft, signing him for less than slot value. The team could then use the extra money for a pick later in the draft.

If the Twins Draft This Guy, They Nailed It Because...

Without risk, there is never any reward. Frazier's bat speed and five-tool potential could help him move quickly through the system.

Buxton might be the team's center fielder of the future but Frazier could slide into a corner spot and be an above average regular. Imagine the Twins starting outfield in 2017 with Buxton in CF, Frazier in RF, and Arcia or Hicks in LF.

Frazier is an unbelievably hard worker and he shows this on the field. He is a natural leader and will push himself. There might be work ethic questions surrounding other prep players but there is no doubt about Frazier's make-up.

Plus it would be cool to have a guy with bright red hair in the middle of the line-up on an everyday basis.

MLB Draft Player Profiles:

• Monday, May 20-- Sean Manaea, SP
  
• Tuesday, May 21-- Austin Meadows, OF
  
• Wednesday, May 22-- Trey Ball, OF
  
• Thursday, May 23-- Ryan Stanek, RHP