The baseball trade season has officially begun, following the conclusion of the draft and the All-Star Game, with the Kansas City Royals making the first notable move by trading minor league infielder Cam Devanney to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for veteran Adam Frazier. While the Royals’ second base situation has been problematic, some view Frazier as a strategic addition, despite skepticism surrounding his performance.
Kansas City’s current second basemen have underperformed significantly, with Michael Massey currently on the injured list and struggling with a .202 batting average this season. Jonathan India has been marginally better, but neither has provided the stability or offensive punch the Royals need as they sit at 47-50, with only an 11.6% chance of making the playoffs.
The move to acquire Frazier, who is 33 and has seen fluctuating success since 2020, raises questions about the trade’s efficacy. Frazier’s recent stats suggest he may not greatly improve the team’s struggles, hitting just .235 over the past few seasons, with limited power output. However, he could offer a veteran presence and experience that young players often lack, which is valuable for the Royals as they build their roster.
Devanney, the player the Royals gave up, has recently showcased his potential, hitting 18 home runs this season and standing as the 10th-ranked prospect in their system. This raises doubts about whether Frazier’s acquisition was worth parting with a player who could also contribute to the team’s second base woes.
The general takeaway from this trade, while it may seem low-impact, underscores broader trends within MLB regarding trade negotiations and team evaluations. Establishing a successful trade generally requires conflicting assessments of players and differing team objectives, concepts that seem to be diminishing in frequency across the league. Teaching moments from this deal signal that opportunities to improve can exist in underperforming roles, especially when managing a tight budget.
The Royals’ trade for Frazier represents a cautious step forward, reflecting the team’s aim for steady improvement rather than an all-out rebuild. While the trade might not signal immediate success, it highlights the potential in seeking incremental enhancements, which can lead to a more competitive team during the second half of the season. As the trade deadline approaches, teams have the chance to reevaluate and capitalize on such opportunities, allowing for shifts in team dynamics that could foster a more competitive landscape.