Free agent second baseman Adam Frazier is headed back to the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year, major league contract reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal, reportedly worth $1.525 million, comes after the Kansas City Royals declined his mutual option for 2025. His signing gives the Pirates another reliable left-handed bat with defensive versatility to add to their predominantly right-handed lineup.
An All-Star in 2021, Frazier was drafted by the Pirates in 2013 and spent six seasons in Pittsburgh before being traded to the San Diego Padres. After leading the majors in line drive percentage, Fraizer was traded to the Seattle Mariners following his breakout campaign in 2021. He achieved career-highs in his lone season in Seattle, playing in 156 games and batting .217 in his postseason debut. Primarily a second baseman, Frazier also saw action defensively at shortstop and each of the three outfield positions that season.
Frazier signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles for 2023, hitting .240/.300/.396 with 13 homers in 141 games. He made two appearances in the American League Division Series, going hitless over five at-bats before the Orioles were eliminated by the Texas Rangers. The 33-year-old signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Royals last season, batting a career-low .202/.282/.294.
Adam Frazier Returns to Pittsburgh on One-Year Deal
Known for his contact-oriented approach, Frazier owns a .264/.327/.385 slash line with a .713 OPS over his nine-year career. The former All-Star also demonstrates strong plate discipline, with a career strikeout percentage nearly 10% below the major league average. A veteran leader in the clubhouse, Frazier could help guide the Pirates’ younger hitters as he did with both the Orioles and the Royals.
With Nick Gonzales locked in at second base, Frazier’s versatility is invaluable as he gives the Pirates depth across both the infield and outfield. After parting ways with right fielder Bryan De La Cruz, Pittsburgh could have an immediate opening for the veteran utilityman.
Main Photo: © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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