Pirates Bring Back Adam Frazier on One-Year Deal

Adam Frazier, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2016-21, has agreed to a major-league free agent contract with the team. The deal is for one year and $1.525 million, a source told Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Frazier, 33, was selected by the Pirates in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State University.

Frazier spent the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh and totaled 608 games. In his Pirates’ career, he slashed .283/.346/.420 with 119 d0ubles, 20 triples, 39 home runs, 204 RBIs and 25 steals.

His best season came in 2021 when he started at second base for the National League All-Star team. In 98 games to begin that season with the Pirates, Frazier hit .324 with an .836 OPS and 28 doubles. Shortly thereafter, the Pirates traded Frazier to the San Diego Padres for a three-player return that included outfielder Jack Suwinski.

Since getting traded from the Pirates, Frazier has made stops with the Padres, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals.

Frazier has yet to replicate his All-Star season since leaving Pittsburgh. Over the last three years, he’s slashed .231/.296/.336 with 53 doubles, seven triples, 20 home runs and 124 RBIs across 401 games.

Last season in Kansas City, Frazier had the worst statistical season of his career. He was barely above the Mendoza Lien with a  .202 batting average, a .576 OPS (63 OPS+) and four home runs in 294 plate appearances and 104 games.

The overwhelming majority of Frazier’s defensive work has come as a second baseman, though he’s appeared at every position other than pitcher and catcher in his career.

Looking at the Pirates, Nick Gonzales is the presumptive starting second baseman, though Frazier could certainly see time at the position in 2025. The Pirates have an obvious need in right field, where he’s played 98 games including 26 last season with the Royals. Most of Frazier’s outfield work has been as a left fielder.

Frazier is the fourth MLB free agent the Pirates have signed so far this winter. Andrew McCutchen re-signed for one-year and $5 million. Left-handers Caleb Ferguson (one-year, $3 million) and Tim Mayza (one-year, $1.15 million) were added to the bullpen. Mayza’s deal is not yet official.