2013 MLB Draft: Cleveland Indians Take Clint Frazier Fifth Overall

If Kris Bryant (taken second overall by the Cubs) was the best college slugger in this draft class, the best high school slugger may very well have been Logansville (Ga) outfielder Clint Frazier, whom the Cleveland Indians selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2013 MLB first-year player draft.

Frazier has an immensly quick bat that generates pure power in his right handed swing. He has had some difficulty making consistent contact, which could manifest itself into strikeout issues at the professional level. Frazier is raw in his approach at the plate and can struggle with pitch recognition.

Defensively, he looks to be probably a left fielder long-term based on his average arm strength and lack of pure speed, though he’s not a slow runner. Frazier will need to work to improve his defense as a professional.

This is a kid that won’t won’t move especially quickly through Cleveland’s farm system, but his power potential makes him a potential all-star as a big leaguer if he can develop a more mature approach at the plate. He’s not likely to hit for a great average and he gets fooled at times, but has the bat speed to hit balls hard even when off-balance at the plate. He also has the athleticism to make up for missteps in the outfield when tracking fly balls. As he moves into pro ball, he’ll have to clean those up to reach his full potential.

There are some rough edges on his University of Georgia commit, but Frazier is an elite talent that could mature into one of, if not the, best power hitter in this draft.