It’s safe to say that things didn’t work out the way they were intended to for one 2024 Kansas City Royals signee.
Once an All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Adam Frazier came to the Royals hoping to shore up the second base position and contribute a bit on offense. Instead, he was one of the worst hitters in Major League Baseball and couldn’t hold down a spot in the lineup.
There wasn’t much thought to give regarding the Royals’ decision on Frazier after the season. They paid him a $2.5 million buyout to decline the $8.5 million mutual option that was built into his contract, making him a free agent once more.
It’s possible Frazier remains unsigned at the end of the offseason, but one baseball writer thinks a reunion with the Pirates could be in order.
FanSided’s Rachael Millanta recently predicted that the 33-year-old Frazier would return to Pittsburgh this offseason to fill a utility role for a young Pirates squad.
“Frazier’s versatility as a utility player may be enough to land him a new deal this winter, even after a very underwhelming 2024 campaign,” Millanta wrote.
“In addition to second base, he has experience in shortstop and all three outfield positions, which could make him a low-cost fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates.”
Frazier slashed .324/.388/.448 for the Pirates in 2021, racking up 3.0 bWAR in the 90 games before he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Contrast that with his brutal 2024 numbers: a .202/.282/.294 slash line and 0.3 bWAR in 104 games.
There’s not a high chance Frazier rediscovers his 2021 form, but if he can play good defense at multiple positions, he’d be a valuable bench piece for a team like Pittsburgh hoping to take a step forward after a decade of playoff disappointment.
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Former Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star outfielder, Andrew McCutchen, is predicted to make a return to the Steel City after being bought out by the Kansas City Royals for $2.5 million.
McCutchen, who spent nine seasons with the Pirates and was a five-time All-Star during his time in Pittsburgh, is a fan favorite and many are excited about the possibility of him returning to the team where he made a name for himself.
After being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2018, McCutchen has bounced around to a few different teams, including the Royals. However, with his buyout from Kansas City, it seems like a reunion with the Pirates could be in the cards.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, many are hopeful that McCutchen will once again don the black and gold and help lead the Pirates back to success. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
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