The Kansas City Royals, like all teams, saw several players hit free agency after the 2024 season, and while some departures were more impactful than others, the decision to part ways with utility man Adam Frazier was fairly clear-cut. Despite being an option for re-signing, Frazier’s mutual option was declined, making him a free agent.
Now, Frazier is returning to the team where he made his MLB debut and earned an All-Star selection. On January 28, MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf reported that Frazier signed a one-year, $1.525 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Frazier’s stint with the Royals in 2024 didn’t go as hoped. Signed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Royals the previous winter, Kansas City intended for him to be their everyday second baseman. However, his underperformance both offensively and defensively led to a shift to a utility role, where he often found himself out of the lineup. He finished the season with a disappointing .202/.282/.294 slashline, 4 home runs, and 22 RBI in 294 plate appearances, along with a -1 Outs Above Average (OAA) across four positions.
Given his struggles, it came as no surprise when the Royals declined his mutual option for 2025. However, the Pirates are eager to bring Frazier back to the team that drafted him in 2013, where he made his big league debut in 2016. Frazier enjoyed a productive run in Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2019, posting strong offensive and defensive numbers, including a Gold Glove nomination in 2019.
After a challenging 2020 season, Frazier rebounded in 2021, earning his first All-Star selection with the Pirates before being traded to the San Diego Padres. He struggled offensively with the Seattle Mariners in 2022, and although he hit a career-high 13 home runs with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, his .240 batting average fell short of expectations.
Now back with the Pirates, Frazier brings versatility to the team. Although his exact role remains unclear, his ability to play multiple positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots, offers significant depth. With Pittsburgh looking for cost-effective solutions, Frazier’s flexibility will be valuable, especially as young players like Nick Gonzales and Oneil Cruz continue to develop. If he can recapture any of his previous form, Frazier will provide much-needed depth and versatility for the Pirates.
