Adam Frazier Trade Buzz: Will All-Star Infielder Be MLB’s Next Blockbuster Move?

Kansas City, Mo. — Veteran second baseman Adam Frazier is on the move again, as multiple outlets report the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded the 33-year-old to the Kansas City Royals for infield prospect Cam Devanney just two weeks before the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Why Kansas City pounced The Royals opened July ranked 26th in MLB in on-base percentage from the second-base position. Frazier’s patient left-handed bat and plus contact skills offer an immediate upgrade for a lineup trying to keep pace in a crowded AL Central race. His ability to slide into the leadoff or No. 2 spot also gives manager Matt Quatraro flexibility against right-handed pitching. A familiar face in blue This is Frazier’s second stint with Kansas City after logging 2.1 fWAR and a .741 OPS in 2024 before signing a one-year deal to return to Pittsburgh last winter. Clubhouse sources say the Royals valued his leadership during last season’s 86-win breakthrough, and ownership was comfortable taking on the remaining $4.2 million of his salary. What Pittsburgh gets back Cam Devanney, 26, was slashing .288/.356/.502 with 15 homers at Triple-A Omaha. Scouts praise his strong arm and pull-side power, giving the rebuilding Pirates another multi-positional infielder who could debut later this year. Shedding Frazier’s contract also frees payroll for Pittsburgh to target young pitching at the deadline. Numbers that matter • Frazier enters play Wednesday with a .278 average, .338 OBP and 18.4 percent strikeout rate in 82 games. • Kauffman Stadium’s large gaps should play to his line-drive approach; 46 percent of his career hits have gone to the opposite field. • He owns a .308 career average in 52 games against AL Central opponents. How the lineup shifts Expect Frazier to start at second base most nights, pushing Michael Massey into a utility role. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. stay on the left side, while veteran Salvador Perez figures to see more RBI opportunities hitting behind Frazier and Witt. Roster ripple effects Kansas City designated infielder Garrett Hampson for assignment to clear a 40-man spot. Left-handed reliever Josh Taylor is likely to be recalled to replace the bullpen inning Frazier’s departure opened for Pittsburgh. Fantasy baseball takeaway Frazier’s run-scoring potential jumps significantly with Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez hitting behind him. Deep-league managers chasing batting-average stability should prioritize him on waivers. What they’re saying • “Adam’s professionalism and versatility are exactly what we need for the stretch run,” Royals GM J.J. Picollo said in a statement. • Pirates GM Ben Cherington: “Cam gives us another upper-level bat who can help us build the next winning core.” • Frazier, via IG: “Excited to be back in KC—unfinished business!” Looking ahead The Royals face the division-leading Guardians this weekend; Frazier is expected to be in uniform Friday night. With Kansas City sitting 3.5 games out of first, the move signals an aggressive approach to ending the franchise’s decade-long playoff drought. Key search phrases to watch Adam Frazier trade, Kansas City Royals news, Pittsburgh Pirates deals, MLB trade deadline 2025, second baseman acquisition.