Like every team, the Kansas City Royals faced a wave of free-agent departures following the 2024 season. Some exits were more impactful than others, with pitchers Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen seen as key re-signing priorities. However, utility man Adam Frazier found himself on the opposite end of that spectrum. The Royals opted against retaining him, declining his mutual option and allowing him to enter free agency.
Now, Frazier is making a return to familiar territory. On January 28, MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf reported that the veteran infielder inked a one-year, $1.525 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the franchise where he began his MLB career and once earned an All-Star nod.
Frazier Eyes Redemption After Disastrous 2024 Campaign in Kansas City
The Royals initially signed Frazier last winter, hoping he could be their everyday second baseman for the 2024 season. They committed to a one-year, $2 million deal but ultimately decided to cut ties after his underwhelming performance, paying a $2.5 million buyout rather than exercising his $8.5 million mutual option. That decision speaks volumes about how his tenure in Kansas City unfolded.
Struggling both offensively and defensively, Frazier quickly shifted into a utility role rather than securing the second base job. By season’s end, he was often left out of the lineup altogether. His numbers told the full story—slashing a career-worst .202/.282/.294 with just four home runs and 22 RBIs in 294 plate appearances. Defensively, he posted a -1 Outs Above Average (OAA) while covering multiple positions, including second base, third base, and the outfield.
While Kansas City had little hesitation in parting ways, Pittsburgh saw an opportunity. Despite Frazier’s struggles, the Pirates welcomed him back, recognizing the value he once brought to their roster.
A Homecoming with the Pirates – Can Frazier Rekindle His Old Form?
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Frazier made his big-league debut on June 24, 2016. Over the next few seasons, he became a reliable presence, consistently hitting above .275 between 2017 and 2019. In 2019, he even secured a Gold Glove nomination after posting the second-best fielding percentage among National League second basemen (.989).
After a rough 2020 campaign during the pandemic-shortened season, Frazier rebounded in 2021, slashing .324/.388/.448 across 428 plate appearances and earning his first All-Star selection. However, with free agency looming, Pittsburgh opted to trade him midseason. On July 25, 2021, he was dealt to the San Diego Padres in exchange for prospects, despite leading the league with 125 hits at the time.
Frazier’s performance declined in the following years. He struggled offensively in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, and while he hit a career-high 13 home runs in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, his .240 batting average left much to be desired. His 2024 season with the Royals was the worst of his career, further raising questions about his future.
Now, at 33 years old, Frazier is back where it all started, hoping to reclaim his form. His exact role with the Pirates remains unclear, but his versatility could make him a valuable asset. With Nick Gonzales at second base and Oneil Cruz shifting to center field, Pittsburgh has been in search of cost-effective depth, particularly in right field. Given his experience playing multiple infield and outfield positions, Frazier’s ability to adapt could prove beneficial.
The big question now: Can the Pirates rediscover the 2019 version of Adam Frazier? Only time will tell.
