Teams reportedly view Adam Frazier as super-utility option

Adam Frazier, 31 in a few weeks, is coming off of what was the worst statistical season of his now-seven-year career in the big leagues.

In just over 600 plate appearances with the Mariners in 2022, Frazier hit just three home runs and drove in 42. His .238 batting average was the lowest of his career, as was the 80 OPS+ he posted, signaling that he was 20% below league average when measuring overall offensive output.

A 2021 All-Star Game selection, Frazier has flashed some defensive versatility in the past, primarily throughout his six-year tenure as a Pittsburgh Pirate. He has made at least five appearances at second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions over the course of his career.

After settling in to a full-time role as a second baseman in recent years, Frazier moved back into a super-utility role with the Mariners in 2022, appearing at second, short and all three outfield spots. 

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that this defensive versatility that he showed off in 2022 has teams viewing him as a super-utility man instead of a traditional second baseman in free agency. Such a label would likely boost Frazier's stock as teams are constantly on the lookout for players that can bounce around all over the diamond like he can.

In Frazier's case specifically, he not only possesses the ability to play all positions but he does it well. The slap-hitting lefty received Gold Glove Award votes in left field in 2017 and was a top-five finisher in the voting for second baseman in each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.

There aren't many teams around the league that won't be looking to add someone of Frazier's defensive prowess to their club. This is pure speculation, but look for the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Giants or Braves to bring him aboard for the upcoming campaign on a cheap one-year deal.