An active offseason for the Royals continued Tuesday, as the team announced the signing of veteran second baseman/left fielder Adam Frazier to a one-year contract with a 2025 mutual option. Frazier, a client of McKinnis Sports, will reportedly be guaranteed $4.5MM in the form of a $2MM base salary in 2024 and a $2.5MM buyout on the 2025 option, which is valued at $8.5MM.
Frazier hit .240/.300/.396 over 445 plate appearances with the Orioles last season, after inking a one-year, $8MM contract back in December 2022. Brought in to provide some veteran leadership within a young Baltimore infield, Frazier got the bulk of starting second base duty, with Ramon Urias acting a platoon partner in the first half of the season and then Jordan Westburg stepping into the platoon after making his MLB debut. With Westburg tabbed for a bigger role and star prospect Jackson Holliday also on the verge of his Major League debut and joining Gunnar Henderson in the Baltimore infield in 2024, the Orioles seemed content with moving on from Frazier and turning things over to their impresssive young core.
In signing with Kansas City, Frazier is basically assuming the same role as an experienced big leaguer on an overall young team, even if the Royals have been aggressive in adding some veteran help. Most of their moves have come on the pitching end (i.e. Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and a host of relievers), though the Royals also addressed their position-player mix by signing outfielder Hunter Renfroe to a two-year, $13MM pact and utilityman Garrett Hampson on a one-year, $2MM contract.
The platoon fit isn’t quite as clean in K.C. as it was in Baltimore, as presumptive second baseman Michael Massey is also a left-handed hitter. However, Massey has yet to show much against big league pitching, with only a .233/.284/.379 slash line to show over the small sample size of 655 career PA. The Royals obviously still want to see what they have in Massey, and Frazier’s ability to play the corner outfield also creates some room for both players to be in the lineup when a righty is on the mound.
It is also fair to wonder what the 32-year-old Frazier can deliver at the plate, given how his own numbers have been subpar for the better part of four seasons. Frazier has a .260/.323/.370 slash line and a 94 wRC+ over 1926 PA since the start of the 2020 season, and those numbers are buoyed by a great first half of the 2021 campaign. Frazier was even named to the 2021 All-Star Game based on that early showing, yet a hefty BABIP suggested that some regression was in order, and that downturn came after Frazier was dealt to the Padres at the trade deadline.
Frazier has been one of the better contact hitters in baseball over the course of his eight-year career, as only 22 qualified hitters have a lower strikeout rate than the 13% number Frazier has posted since debuting with Pittsburgh in 2016. The problem is that Frazier’s hard-contact and barrel rates are near the bottom of the league in that same period, and with a subpar 7.4% walk rate, Frazier’s offense has tended to wane unless the batted-ball luck is swinging in his favor.
Usually a very solid defensive second baseman, Frazier’s glovework tumbled last year in the view of public defensive metrics. His 0.2 UZR/150 was just slightly above average, while his -4 Defensive Runs Saved and -15 Outs Above Average painted a more dire picture. Frazier has been passable enough as an outfielder that he could get more looks in the corners if Massey hits well enough to draw regular work at the keystone, and he could complement Renfroe in right field or MJ Melendez (another left-handed bat) in left field.
While none of the Royals’ expenditures this offseason have individually counted as splurges, the club had already spent $101MM on free agents even before signing Frazier. K.C. is projected by Roster Resource for an $111.5MM payroll without Frazier’s still-unknown price tag added, so the Royals have topped their $91MM payroll from 2023 by a healthy margin. This tracks with general manager J.J. Picollo’s statement in early December that the Royals were going to increase their payroll around $30MM this winter, with some possible flexibility to spend even more in the right scenario.
After winning the World Series in 2015, Kansas City was a .500 team in 2016 and has now posted seven straight losing seasons. A rebuilding process has either yet to fully materialize or has stalled out entirely, given how the Royals’ 106 losses last season matched the highest total in franchise history. Picollo (who took over the front office late in the 2022 season) might have gotten some leeway in his first full year as GM because a lot of focus was placed on revamping the team’s developmental system, yet it is clear the Royals are aiming to be much more respectable on the field in 2024. Most of their offseason signings have been pretty short-term in nature, so if necessary, K.C. could pivot to trading any of these veterans at the deadline if the club again isn’t in contention.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post first reported the agreement between the two parties. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the financial terms.
Useful player. Wonder where they expect him to play?
2B makes sense.
Not really, they already have a lefty 2b
Agreed. Massey put up almost identical numbers to Frazier last year. Just being younger gives him a higher ceiling. Putting Frazier in the OF automatically weakens the offense. KC may be spending, but the upgrades are minimal. Two no-hit infielders, two back of the rotation arms, and a journeyman OF. These would be decent depth moves for many teams. They move the needle and raise the floor a bit, but I get confused by the contention predictions many are posting. Their Pitching staff may be better than the White Sox. Everyone else in the division is quite a bit better. If the pitching doesn’t keep you in games, the pressure on the offense eventually catches up.
I think the ceiling of this royals team is ~86 wins. Which given the division they’re in would probably get them to the postseason.
More like 76 wins. Like Stymedone said all back or the order and rotation upgrades. Witt can’t win games alone.
I’m with you and Stymedone. I get the AL central is quite weak, but I just don’t see how this Royals team clears 81 wins. They’re spending money, but not usefully
Agreed. I’d rather have Solano personally. He has a 350 Obp.
You’re not taking into account deadline moves.
They were so bad, Lugo, Wacha and Renfroe, along with Will Smith and Stratton, who was decent last season, will move the needle. That Ragen they got at the deadline from Texas was really good.
Same old teams in the Central. Same type of players. Just different names. Same finishes for the top two . Twinkies and Guardians. Same bottom feeders . WS KC and Det.
Yeah I am sure JR will make some big SPLASH. What is left out there better than JR already has ?
I’m guessing you don’t follow any AL Central teams, or pay much attention during the offseason.
Going from 56 wins to 86. Is that really possible?
@stymeed Wacha has pitched like a middle of the rotation arm the last 2 seasons. Lugo did as well last season, but I can see why many are skeptical since it had been years since he was a starter.
Hampson and Frazier are anything but exciting. On a positive note for KC tho, they re both versatile. Neither are particularly good in OF though, so I agree this is kind of redundant as they re both best served as utility IFs.
GGG
“Going from 56 wins to 86. Is that really possible?”
Yes. Of course. And it’s much more likely than you think. We know this because you asked the question.
First, based on their fWAR, we’d expect the Royals to have won 67 games. Based on their number of runs scored and allowed (Pythagorean record), we’d expect them to have won 64 games
So, we’re already at a ten game improvement.
Under or over performing your record by ten games isn’t that unlikely. A team is just as likely to win 10 more games as they are to win 10 fewer games, and we just saw them win ten fewer.
So, there’s another 10 games.
Thus, they really only need to improve their true talent level by 10 games to have a reasonable shot at winning 30 more games
The Orioles went from 52 to 83 just a couple of years ago.
I disagree with that they’re not spending wisely. . Wacha and lugo were great signings considering what other pitchers are making.
Tigers would have been better off getting those guys rather than Flaherty and maeda.
Wacha has certainly had a resurgence and Lugo had a good year, but wanted a lengthy deal and the Tigers don’t need him for that with the next wave of pitchers in the minors on their way. Curious to see if Wacha and Lugo can continue that success. Maeda is solid, when he’s not hurt and the Tigers have others to fill the innings when he is. I know Flaherty did not pitch well but I’m interested to see what pitching coach Chris Fetter can do with him. He’s not so far removed from number 1 starter type stats. Fetter has helped get other pitchers like Lorenzen and Erod back on track and the Tigers have built a reputation for that under him.
If they don’t pitch well then Jobe and Madden are likely to get a promotion later in the year anyway.
He’s an overrated and decling player who probably only has a couple of years left in him where he can still be on a major league roster. And now he’s going to keep more young guys from getting playing time with KC. But at least they don’t have as many good prospects to block as the Orioles did.
Welcome aboard, Fraze! Massey or Garcia will probably be moved in a deal for a closer now.
What team has a closer to trade?
He did not request for the new Royals closer to be any good
Tigers can send Lange for a useful piece. Great arm, but lots of walks. Foley should he closing for Detroit anyway.
Cleveland
Kansas City does not have the pieces to convince Cleveland to trade Clase to them.
What team has a closer to trade with Massey as the return?!
This seems more likely, but this deal is too short for them to move for a Closer. Frazier is a mentor and utility, just like he was last season.
The Nationals could offer Finnegan or Harvey but would likely want more than Massey.
Massey or Garcia will not get a closer.
Why would the Royals deal Garcia?
No Oriole reunion then
I wouldn’t think so, no.
I think Detroit might take the central if things go right for em, but KC is quickly catching up to Minnesota for 2nd, IMHO
I wouldn’t count out Cleveland. They have some really talented pitchers. I think any team, but the White Sox could win it. Who knows? Maybe the White Sox shock us all and finally show up. If they trade Cease though, no chance.
Cleveland lacks offense and with their local TV deal up in the air gives their cheap owner an excuse not to spend. Cleveland will battle White Sox for 4th.
At least he uses an excuse…..
I agree. I was assuming they’d trade Beiber and Clase, but even if they do, they could get some nice pieces back. Their pitching always keeps them in it.
I’d expect a bit of regression from Clevelands young stable of pitchers and like D-Nice said it seems likely that Bieber and Clase will be traded. They haven’t really moved the needle on offense either. If they went out and got a middle of the order bat then that might increase their chances. Right now I see them fighting KC for 3rd and Minnesota 5 games behind the Tigers at the end of the year.
The lack of activity by Cleveland and Minnesota has left the door wide open for Detroit in what I expected to be another stepping stone type year with young guys like Keith and Malloy and maybe Leonard, Perez, Jung, Madden and Jobe getting worked in. The offence in Detroit should be better and has a core now (Tork, Greene, Carpenter) with enough complimentary pieces (Rogers, Canha), and roles for young players to develop (Meadows, Keith, Malloy). If Baez could even have a league average year it would help. 3B is the Achilles heel with stopgaps in place until Jung comes up eventually. Pitching is not an issue. Lots of that.
Unless Minnesota or Cleveland does something major I think they are going to be on the outsulide looking in come playoff time.
The Tigers’ FO is doing near the bare minimum if fans like you haven’t noticed.
Urshela, Merrifield and Anderson are good FAs with great batting averages.
Arraez is supposedly available in trade.
The are a couple of top pitchers and position players, who’s salary demands are not being met. The Tigers could help them by creating tradable contracts.
No more screwing around with maybe’s and hopefuls. I’ve had enough!
Geez Loiuse…..they could be doing a LOT MORE!
Just because this is the best team we’ve had in a decade…….doesn’t mean much to me.
The team is going to have to lay out some money but at the end of the day, the Tigers end up with a fantastic team. IF only they would try. The money would come later.
Hire the Superfife!
Arraez is the only upgrade out of that bunch and he would cost a ton.
The Tigers are loaded with great young prospects like Colt Keith. Why should they sign sub-par players like Urshela and over-the-hill veterans like Merrifield to block these guys? Just because they hit for decent batting averages? Harris is smarter than that.
I agree. The Tigers young players and prospects are capable of lifting them to a division title within the next two years.
See below
Colt Keith is not on the 40?
He’s not on the 40 yet. If he makes the team then I expect Maton get shifted off the 40 man because he’s out of options I believe.
I like Arraez and he would be a huge upgrade. If the price was right. He would make Jung or Keith expendale as part of the return (preferably Jung). Florida needs bats.
Those guys are trying to get more than a year and I think the FO is trying to keep 3B open for Jung later this season if Veirling doesn’t work out. After the extension, Keith has 2B locked up basically.
Kansas City finished 31 games behind Minnesota last year. They’ve improved this off-season by making a number of additions that really raise the floor of their expectations. They better then last year, no doubt.
But 31 games is a lot to make up and if we’re being honest, KC didn’t add much in the way of difference makers.
They had 56 wins last year. They should be up into the 60’s and maybe even tickle the 70’s but their not close to the division lead. Not close.
They’ve got a great chance to leap frog Chicago who were 5 games better last year,
Minnesota has done nothing but subtract though. Including losing Maeda to Detroit. 31 games is a lot.
Also you’re assuming the royals can only improve from their additions, not accounting for improvement from returning players.
Obviously the Twins can improve from returning players too, and I’m not frantically opening DraftKings to check the odds of us winning the division, but I expect us to be competitive and relevant, which is all I could ask for after a 56-win season.
I wouldn’t bet on Detroit doing much. It will be Cleveland or Twinkies. The rest will fight it out for the last three spots.
Based on what? Please illuminate us.
Stop making me laugh. Tigers are worthless
Based on what? If you dont have a reasonable basis for your comment then go put some more toothpaste in your hair and work on your sneer.
1)Twins- won by 9(20 expected) , still best offense in division
2) Detroit- best pitching in division, Canha isn’t enough to improve the offense
3/4) Cleveland/Royals – still no offense in either of these teams, Royals made some good moves
5) White Sox- Robert is good
But Greene was on his way to being an all-star (TJ) and Keith and Jung will be at 2B and 3B soon after tearing up the minors. Tork took another step forward last season too. Baez can’t get any worse so he’ll probably improve at least a little. Rogers was even supplying alotta power after coming back from TJ. The offense will be towards the middle of the league. Plus, we took Maeda from Minnesota and they haven’t done anything and may still trade Polanco and Kepler.
I agree with D-nice. If the Twins don’t upgrade further they are in 2nd place. The Tigers offence will be greatly improved from last season with the holdovers having one more year under their belt and reinforcements coming up from the minors.
He was a good piece on a 100plus win Orioles Team. Good veteran signing
He got 600 ABs for playoff team Seattle in 22 as well. Nice pick up.
Nice. That’s nice.
KC is looking sneaky good in 2024. Good on them for trying to get better within the budget constraints.
I’d pick Solano over Frazier, but I guess we’ll see who ends up cheaper. Solano always has a great OBP though.
Frazier has over twice the career WAR Solano has in 25% more playing time.
655 PA’s is a small sample size?
GP
“655 PA’s is a small sample size?”
In regards to a triple slash line, yes.
In regards to, say, BB or K rate, no.
I liked him on the mariners. He gave great at bats even though most of his hits early in the year didn’t find holes. Here’s STATS to back that up
He played great down the stretch run for us and in the playoffs. His clutch late inning double helped the mariners beat the jays in the wild card round. STATS
Also I heard he was Good clubhouse guy would get players together even off the field for meals etc
No proof for this sentence
I could be a good clubhouse guy too if somebody would just give me a chance.
With Seattle, he had a .268 BABIP, so for 26% of the balls in play, he got a hit. It’s okay but far from his 30%+ he had with the Pirates. I guess it was good he didn’t strikeout much (12%) but he also didn’t walk much either (7%).
Similar hitting stats to Joc Pederson but with fewer strike outs and 11 stolen bases. And plays infield. Joc more expensive must be the pearls and the F-bombs.
Except for the power numbers, and the ability to get on base, and their speed on the base paths, the ability to field defensively, they are quite similar. They both bat LH, and you wouldn’t want either of them to play in the OF.
I’m thrilled by this signing. I no longer have to worry about the Pirates wasting money and a roster spot on him. Let the kids play.
Nice pickup to raise the team’s floor. With Fraziers the Royals kill two birds with one stone by getting an insurance policy for Massey and another outfield option. They still aren’t a wildcard team but 80 wins are definitely within reach.
I don’t understand what makes this guy valuable. At all.
League average bat and can play 2b. That’s a good player to have. Cardinals have enough 2b but many teams need help there.
DO
“I don’t understand what makes this guy valuable. At all.”
There aren’t 780 baseball players better than him
There’s lots of guys in AAA who would be more productive right now. He might make a good coach though.
HH
“There’s lots of guys in AAA who would be more productive right now.”
Provide your evidence to support your assertion
He isn’t valuable. At all. But he’s the scrappy utility player type that MLBTR commenters just love. Despite his 240 batting average, which is their favorite stat.
HH
“He isn’t valuable. At all. ”
Positive fWAR every year of his career
He’s valuable because there aren’t enough players better then him to fill out every roster.
Maybe, but he’s a declining player on the wrong side of 30. I think there are enough potentially better players to make his value nil.
He’s a 2 to 3 win player. Jordan Walker produced two tenths of a win last year for a comp. He’s a good player. He’s not an all star but he’s a good player and a really good deal for the money. Didn’t we pay more for Corey Dickerson a couple years ago? He’s better than Dickerson for sure.
Using Mo’s mistakes as a measuring stick is setting the bar pretty low.
I could see it on a one year deal. But they are going to pay him 2.5 million this year to take at bats from a younger player and then pay him 2 million next year to go away. There’s no justification for that.
4.5 million for a good player and for a team that is clearly trying to compete again. That’s a good deal I don’t know why you think otherwise. They don’t have to all be superstars he’s a solid player that will help his team win games.
DO
“I think there are enough potentially better players to make his value nil.”
Support your claim with evidence
Wow, could you be more arrogant and condescending? A couple of years ago, the brilliant analytics folks were insisting that Javier Baez was worth $300 million.
NNW
“A couple of years ago, the brilliant analytics folks were insisting that Javier Baez was worth $300 million.”
Citation requested
Bleacher Nation: Javy Báez Doesn’t Sound Very Focused on Extension Talks, One Report Suggested It Might Cost $200+ Million
Yes, the idiots in Chicago were actually saying that Baez was deserving of the same contract that Lindor received
It’s painful to listen to Cubs cheerleaders on the radio.
bleachernation.com/cubs/2021/07/19/javy-baez-doesn…
NNW
*A couple of years ago, the brilliant analytics folks were insisting that Javier Baez was worth $300 million.”
“Javy Báez Doesn’t Sound Very Focused on Extension Talks, One Report Suggested It Might Cost $200+ Million”
The idiocy on display here is stunning
Are you unaware that 300 is not the same as 200?
Did you forget what you said?
What happened?
“$200+ Million” — Did you miss the (+)?
This was the first article I came across. Listening to the geniuses on Chicago sports radio, they were all saying that Baez was worth $30 million per year.
Have you been in a coma? For your own sake, stop digging.
“Heyman said he’s heard that all the big free agent shortstops – Báez, included – are shooting for $200+ million on their next contract.”
=========================
That’s just writer talk, or speak in this case. There are only a small handful of writers that really understand baseball.
NNW
““$200+ Million” — Did you miss the (+)?”
200+ million IS NOT 300 million
Sorry
Please back up your claim that
“the brilliant analytics folks were insisting that Javier Baez was worth $300 million”
Because that attempt didn’t come close
JB
Plus
200+ million isn’t 300 million
And
Heyman isn’t a “brilliant analytic folk”. At least not to most. Maybe to people who don’t know that 300 million is significantly different than 200 million
I live in the Chicago area and the two sports radio stations were flooded with calls to pay Baez way more than he was worth. The same went for Rizzo, Contreras and Bryant as well.
All of the “baseball experts” on the air in Chicago are analytics freaks (who mock things like situational hitting, stolen bases and RBIs), and they were comparing Baez to Lindor.
Colorado owes Bryant another $136 million… how’s that looking?
NNW
” live in the Chicago area and the two sports radio stations were flooded with calls to pay Baez way more than he was worth.”
Provide evidence that
“the brilliant analytics folks were insisting that Javier Baez was worth $300 million”
Or retract your statement
Perhaps Chicago sports radio thought so. Perhaps Chicagoans are idiots. I mean, if two radio stations represent all “analytics folk” they can represent all Chicagoans too, right?
“Colorado owes Bryant another $136 million… how’s that looking?”
What does this have to do with anything?
“Provide evidence… or retract your statement.”
I owe you nothing, arrogant D-bag. I know what I listened to for a couple of years.
” if two radio stations represent all “analytics folk”
I never said “all”… loser.
Thanks for playing.
NNW
You’re a waste of time
Muted
Well, his CAREER BA is .269, and in 2021 he hit .305, so he is not far removed from very good numbers. He could be declining — or he could be on the verge of a bounceback. He would be best used on a contending team that needs a veteran presence and emergency fill-in. KC is not that.
Doesn’t strike out, and can take a walk. Good defensive career 2B (although he wasn’t great last year). Good clubhouse guy. Not so much an All Star as a solid starter.
I like these moves. It brings in competition and pushes the youngsters to perform.
Royals did more this off season than some bigger and better teams. Kudos to them.
Is this really a 1 year contract looking at the payouts.??????
Jack
”
Is this really a 1 year contract looking at the payouts.??????”
Yes
The payouts don’t matter
He’s under contract for 2024. That’s it
There’s a mutual option for 2925
There it is, their Big Move, that they promissed everyone before the FA Start !! Sigh
Steal of a deal for a solid if unspectacular player. How could you not like this signing?
MLBTR
“Brought in to provide some veteran leadership”
Are you sure he wasn’t just brought in to play 2B?
Well, he did exactly what you’re scoffing at in Baltimore last season. Yes, it’s important for emerging clubs like KC and BAL to have guys like Frazier on their club. Grinder types like Frazier help bring a young squad together, kind of like a good sergeant would. He was definitely a leader on an O’s team that won 101 games.
He had some good moments in Baltimore but really faded down the stretch. Ultimately I think he just blocked guys like Ortiz and Norby. I never understood the signing. He seems like a good teammate though, and I wish him well.
It makes me really happy seeing the Royals actually spending some money this offseason. It’s good to see them add pieces around the breakout Bobby Witt Jr and at least be competitive in a weak AL Central. who knows, they may surprise some people, it’s not like the Twins are doing anything to improve their team and the Guardians regressed after a really solid 2022. You can be a small market team and make additions without breaking the bank!
It will be an outrage if they really end up actually rejecting Pujols from the Hall of Fame. especially since they let in mauer which is laughable.
Are you an AI program or stuck in a time loop because you just keeping posting the same nonsense over and over. Both deserve to be in the hall of fame and Pujols is one of the best hitters to ever put on a uniform in MLB.
You heard it here first.
Actually I heard it on your post yesterday or the day before first. I’m more hoping I’ve heard it here last 😉
Only because I am a generous and reckless type of guy. but I am will to bet that Pujols gets into the HOF.
We can only wonder, will the vote by anonymous?
? I don’t want to be argumentative? But except the outlier of Andersons’ BA last year, how many Tigers had higher BAs?… ever?
The current guys do have great potential, no doubt.
If I had only opened up a Kool-Aid stand, I could have purchased the Tigers by now with all the profits.
Chris Illich needs to stop all that healthy living and DRINK MORE COFFEE because this is slow.
Git some, Frazier! Great teammate and a productive member of society, maaaaan!!!! Love KC for making legit moves to git some in the ALC!
I like it. it is maybe Merrifield-lite, may better,
GET YOUR MONEY Fraze!!!! The people of Baltimore love you bro!!!
Frazier was a lot of fun for O’s fans. Some big hits. And hilarious that he celebrated the playoff clinching in his jock strap on TV… plus, he told Alek Manoah to STFU, and I’ll love him forever for that alone. Ball player. Good dude. Best wishes Fraze. Oriole legend!
plus, he told Alek Manoah to STFU, and I’ll love him forever for that alone.
==========================
He gets no credit for that since half the league probably said the same thing.
But Frazier did it on TV where you could read his lips. He gets credit.
Yet another excruciating exclamation point highlighting how absolutely awful the Mets paying Joey Wendle $2m is.
Out of all the players Vladdy Guerrero gets the Show cover
When he played for the pirates, he was a capable player. Had a good year and a half. After that his career went down hill. Great team guy. All the luck to him
Can’t help but smile that the Royals signed 3 guys that I went to college with at Mississippi State. I used to see these guys around town and I’ve been a Royals fan for a long time. Renfroe and Frazier are both nice guys and great tippers. Hail State!