Adam Frazier
Position: 2B/OF
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 12/14/1991
College: Mississippi State University
How Acquired: Free Agent
Drafted: 6th Round, 179th Overall, 2013
Bonus: $240,600
40-man Roster: Yes
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Minor League Free Agency: N/A
Options Left: N/A
Overview
The Pirates drafted Frazier in the 6th round in 2013. He reached the majors three years later, initially serving as a utility player, but he eventually settled in as a productive second baseman for several years. At his best, Frazier has hit for average and made good contact, albeit with low walk rates. He’s not a power hitter, but occasionally shows some pull power. The Pirates traded Frazier for prospects in 2021 and his hitting has tailed off since then. He’s had a moderate platoon split over his career. Frazier has spent about three-quarters of his playing time at second over the years and most of the rest in the outfield corners. He’s played only a little at third and short and doesn’t have the arm for those positions. During his better years, he was an above average second baseman with very good range for the position, and was probably about average in the outfield. He formerly had above average speed, but according to Statcast his speed is now below average. Possibly related to that, his fielding in 2023-24 graded out below average, even at second. The Pirates signed Frazier to a one-year deal for 2025.
2013-16
Frazier made quick progress through the Pirates’ farm system. He spent most of his time at short until he got to AAA, when for some reason he played mostly in the outfield. He had one down season, in 2014 when the Pirates jumped him from short season ball to High A and he put up just a .616 OPS. Otherwise, he hit over .300 every year: .321 in short season ball, .324 in AA in 2015, and .333 in AAA in the first half of 2016.
Frazier’s showing at Indianapolis in 2016 got him promoted to the majors at mid-season. He did well, batting 301/356/411 in 66 games while playing mostly second and the outfield corners.
2017-21
Frazier spent nearly all of 2017 with the Pirates, splitting his time between second and the outfield corners. On the season he had a .743 OPS, good for a 97 OPS+. In 2018, he struggled early in the season. In early June, he was hitting .239 and the Pirates sent him to AAA. He didn’t hit at all in 32 games there, but the Pirates brought him back up late July and he batted 306/357/533 over the season’s second half, including surprising power.
Frazier was the Pirates’ regular second baseman from 2019 through the trade deadline in 2021. He had his best seasons in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, he hit 278/376/417 with 33 doubles and ten home runs. He fell off to .661 OPS in 58 games in the pandemic season, then rebounded to hit 324/388/448 through the trade deadline in 2021. At that point, the Pirates traded him to San Diego. Frazier fell off to a .662 OPS over the rest of the season, but still finished with 36 doubles. Throughout 2018-21 he played good defense at second.
2022-24
After the 2021 season, San Diego traded Frazier to Seattle. He was the Mariners’ primary second baseman, although he played some in the outfield. His hitting fell off badly, to 238/301/311. He became a free agent after the season and signed a one-year deal for 2023 with Baltimore. Playing mostly second, Frazier bounced back somewhat with the Orioles, hitting 240/300/396 with a career-high 16 home runs.
Frazier became a free agent again after 2023 and signed with the Royals. Splitting his time between second and the outfield corners, Frazier had a career-worst season, batting just 202/282/294. He became a free agent again after the season and signed with the Pirates.
Stats
Transactions
June 7, 2013: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 6th round, 179th overall pick; signed on July 3.
June 24, 2016: Contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
July 26, 2021: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with cash to the San Diego Padres for Tucupita Marcano, Michell Miliano and Jack Suwinski.
November 27, 2021: Traded by the San Diego Padres to the Seattle Mariners for Ray Kerr and Corey Rosier.
November 6, 2022: Became a free agent.
December 15, 2022: Signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Orioles.
November 2, 2023: Became a free agent.
January 30, 2024: Signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Royals.
October 31, 2024: Became a free agent.
January 28, 2025: Signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.