The Kansas City Royals have reportedly reached an agreement with second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier on a one-year, $2 million deal with an additional $8.5 million mutual option for the 2025 season, sources informed MLB.com on Saturday morning.
The mutual option includes a $2.5 million buyout, bringing the total guaranteed value of the deal to $4.5 million. The move is intended to add depth to the Royals’ lineup and provide manager Matt Quatraro with another left-handed option in both the infield and outfield.
Although the deal has not been officially confirmed by the club, it is contingent on a physical examination, expected to be conducted next week. Following Frazier’s official addition to the roster, the Royals will need to make a 40-man roster move, and sources suggest that trade options are being explored to create the necessary space.
Frazier, 32, spent the 2023 season with the American League East champion Orioles, where he posted a batting line of .240/.300/.396, including 21 doubles and a career-high 13 home runs. Known for his contact-oriented approach, Frazier has a career strikeout rate of 13% and a 6.5% swinging strike rate. In 2023, he maintained a 14.9% strikeout rate and a 7% walk rate.
Primarily a second baseman, Frazier appeared in 130 games at the position last season, with a limited 10-game stint in the outfield. Defensive metrics indicate a decline in his performance at second base over the past two seasons, with -4 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -15 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2023, compared to his career averages of 11 DRS and -5 OAA.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State, Frazier spent the initial 5 1/2 seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he hit .283/.346/.420. His standout 2021 season earned him an All-Star selection, making him a sought-after player at the trade deadline.
The Royals, aiming to add a left-handed infielder with versatility, have been active in the offseason. The addition of Frazier follows previous moves that strengthened the pitching staff and added power to the lineup with Hunter Renfroe. The team’s plans for Frazier’s playing time and field position are yet to be determined, especially considering the presence of other left-handed players like second baseman Michael Massey and rookie Nick Loftin.
As the Royals focus on assembling a versatile and experienced roster, the signing of Frazier aligns with their strategy of adding veteran players this offseason. General Manager J.J. Picollo emphasized their ongoing efforts to explore smaller deals that could further enhance the team’s roster. With less than three weeks until Spring Training, the Royals might continue to seek opportunities for improvements.
