PITTSBURGH (AP) — Adam Frazier is heading back to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The club has agreed to terms with the veteran second baseman/outfielder on a one-year deal worth $1.525 million. The deal is pending Frazier passing a physical.
The 33-year-old Frazier spent the first five-plus seasons of his career with the Pirates from 2016 to 2021. During his tenure, he established himself as a solid contributor, hitting .283 with 39 homers and 204 RBIs across 608 games. His notable performance earned him a spot on the All-Star Game roster in 2021, right before he was traded to the San Diego Padres.
Since leaving Pittsburgh, Frazier has played for several teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, and most recently, the Kansas City Royals. His output varied during these stints, culminating with a challenging season where he hit just .202 over 104 games for the Royals.
This upcoming season, Frazier's versatility is expected to be key for the Pirates, who might have immediate needs in right field after opting not to retain Bryan De La Cruz. Frazier's ability to play both outfield corners and second base gives the team some much-needed flexibility.
According to reports, the Pirates are still looking to bolster their roster, particularly the corner outfield positions, but Frazier adds depth to their options. He embodies the kind of character players the Pirates are seeking as they navigate their rebuilding phase.
"This deal gives the Pirates a versatile option who can also act as depth during significant injuries, which have plagued their roster the past seasons," observed one sports analyst.
To date, Frazier has accumulated impressive numbers through his career, with a .283 batting average, aided by quality defensive abilities at both second base and left field. These attributes will be pivotal as they plan for the 2025 season.
Interestingly, Frazier's defensive metrics have remained solid, even as his offensive numbers have fluctuated. His strikeout rates were lower than league averages last season, showing he can still be effective with his approach at the plate.
With the Pirates shifting gears to focus on young talent, Frazier's presence could provide them the stability they seek as they bring up new prospects and look to revitalize the roster either through trades or continued development.
"Frazier brings experience and left-handed power to our lineup. His familiarity with the organization should help ease the transition for both him and the younger players as they acclimate to Major League Baseball," remarked the Pirates' GM.
When Frazier officially signs with the team — pending the passing of his physical — they will need to make corresponding roster adjustments, quickly integrating him back to Pittsburgh after having been absent for the last few seasons.
The Pirates have also recently signed franchise icon Andrew McCutchen, reaffirming their commitment to blend experienced veterans with young and promising talent. Frazier's history with the Pirates makes this signing particularly poignant, as he provides additional support and experience to help guide the roster through upcoming challenges.
The 2025 season presents several questions for the Pirates as they work to reclaim competitive stature within the league. With Frazier's left-handed bat joining the ranks, there is cautious optimism about offensive production.
This trade is not simply about bringing back former players; it’s about creating the right mix of youth and experience to compete effectively. For Adam Frazier, this marks an important chapter of returning to the team where he made his name, and for the Pirates, it signifies another strategic move toward constructing their future.
Time will tell how effective this reunion will be; meanwhile, the anticipation grows as fans look forward to seeing how the Pirates will utilize Frazier’s diverse talents on the field. Fans across Pittsburgh let out sighs of relief as their trusted club invests once again with familiar players.
The Pirates' upcoming season could be pivotal and marked by transformations as they execute their strategic vision. Adam Frazier's rejoining the team is just one piece of this larger puzzle.