EX-YANKEES OUTFIELDER URGES TEAM TO DITCH VOLPE AND WELLS
Former Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier has once again stirred controversy within the organization, throwing public shade at the front office’s offseason strategy and specifically calling for the team to move on from young players Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells.
On a recent episode of his “Life After the Show” podcast, Frazier, who was himself a highly touted prospect whose tenure in the Bronx ended controversially, argued that the Yankees should abandon the hope that struggling players will magically improve.
“If you’re hoping that players are going to bounce back versus being proactive and going out and spending on the players who might be able to take the positions of the guys you hope bounce back, I think you can move in a better direction,” Fraz1ier 2stated. “Stop relying on the bounce-back player.”
THE TARGETS: VOLPE AND WELLS
Frazier was explicit about who he believes the Yankees should “move on from,” identifying both shortstop Anthony Volpe and catcher Austin Wells:
Anthony Volpe: The former top prospect struggled significantly in his third season, with his defensive errors and low offensive production ($<$.650 OPS) becoming major liabilities for a team with World Series aspirations.
Austin Wells: The catcher finished his second full campaign showing inconsistency at the plate and has been criticized for not providing enough two-way value for a championship club.
Frazier’s argument is that the Yankees—a team with the resources to compete now—should not pin their championship hopes on the potential turnaround of young players who have already shown a “surplus sample size” of struggles.
THE IRONY AND THE CRITICISM
The comments have sparked immediate, fiery debate among Yankees fans and media:
Viewpoint
Perspective
Frazier’s Experience
Supporters note that Frazier knows the pressure cooker of high expectations in New York better than anyone, and his criticism of the “bounce-back” mentality rings true, as he was himself unable to overcome his own struggles (posting a negative bWAR in his final season).
The Jilted Ex
Critics dismiss Frazier as a “jilted ex” or a “certified grifter” desperate for media attention. They argue he is projecting his own failings onto Volpe and Wells and that he has no right to criticize the team that kept him longer than many thought necessary.
Regardless of the motivation, Frazier’s call for the Yankees to be “proactive in the market” and replace Volpe and Wells with proven commodities—especially when pursuing trade targets like Ketel Marte or Adolis García—perfectly captures the debate raging in the Bronx this offseason. The Yankees must choose between developing their youth or buying an immediate championship solution.
