It’s an early morning bomb for Jon Heyman! The Kansas City Royals have signed utility man Adam Frazier to a one-year deal. The financials are still unknown. An eight-year big league veteran, Frazier spent his first five and a half seasons with the Pirates before being traded to the Padres during the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline. The former 2021 All-Star then played his 2022 season with the Seattle Mariners and last year with the Baltimore Orioles.
According to Baseball Reference, the veteran infielder/outfielder compiled a 1.7 WAR last year. Frazier’s most attractive trait is his defensive ability. He can play all three outfield positions and three out of four infield positions not named first base. He played most of his time at second base last year for the Orioles, which is usually considered his strongest position. He did struggle a bit on the defensive side of the ball last year, putting up a 1st percentile in outs above average (OAA) and 8th percentile in arm strength.
Frazier has been a bit more inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball. He had his strongest seasons at the plate in 2018 and 2021, where he posted a 116 wRC+ and 113 wRC+. He was below average with the Orioles last year, posting a 93 wRC+. Frazier slashed .240/.300/.396 with 13 home runs, 60 RBI, and 11 stolen bases last year. It’s far from his peak seasons, but it’s still not bad overall.
Frazier is the type that doesn’t strike out and makes solid contact. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 97th percentile in SweetSpot%, 89th percentile in K%, and 84th percentile in Whiff%.
There is enough there in the offensive profile where he could be an upgrade from current option Michael Massey at second base, but it is somewhat unclear exactly where Frazier will play until a corresponding move is made. If not, he is at the very least a safety net for their corner outfielders and infielders, especially MJ Melendez who has struggled a bit defensively in left.
Regardless, Frazier does pose somewhat of an upgrade for the Royals. His career 98 OPS+ is just below average and despite last year’s struggles defensively, he’s not far removed from having a 6 OAA season with the Seattle Mariners which was eight most at second base in 2022.
Frazier is the second utility-type player the Royals have signed this offseason. Prior to adding Frazier, they inked Garrett Hampson to a one-year deal earlier in the offseason. It leaves some questions about the roles Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, and Samad Taylor will play for the team in 2024.
We very well likely could be a corresponding move in the works via trade as the Royals’ 40-man roster is also full. Will it be a trade of Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, or MJ Melendez? Or just a straight DFA of someone off the 40-man roster? Only time will tell, but I imagine we will have our answer shortly.
