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Adam Frazier was among the top hitters on the market leading up to the MLB trade deadline later this week. The San Diego Padres have been mentioned as buyers as they look to remain relevant in the National League West race down the stretch.
So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that San Diego has reportedly acquired the 29-year-old Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a blockbuster trade.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report the news Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, other reports have come out telling us who Pittsburgh has required for the veteran bat. That includes utilityman Tucupita Marcano and outfielder Jack Suwinski as well as pitcher Michell Miliano. Here are three takeaways from the blockbuster trade.
San Diego Padres get team control in Adam Frazier trade
Padres general manager A.J. Preller built this team up through the farm system. But he has not been afraid to pull off monumental trades in the past. The one common theme has been to acquire players who are under team control. That’s the case with Frazier, who remains under contract through the 2022 season.
As a mid-market team, San Diego is not in the position to trade away three youngsters for a rental player. While the prices ends up being a premium in general, having Frazier’s versatility in the mix for the 2022 season is going to be huge. It’s also being noted that San Diego plans on using him in a super-utility role. He’s played primarily second base, but can also man all three outfield positions.
Pittsburgh Pirates look to the future in Adam Frazier trade
At 38-60, it’s all about adding more young talent to the mix for Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. In addition to Frazier, the Pirates have the likes of Tyler Anderson and Richard Rodriguez who could be moved ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
“My hope is that we can find opportunities that we think make sense for us,” Cherington said recently. “The mindset we have is really to help two teams. It’s not that we’re trying to get one over on anyone. That rarely happens anymore anyway. … If we can find those, great. But no need to force it.”
By all accounts, this appears to be a fair trade. Pittsburgh valued Marcano at such a high clip that it was willing to send $1.4 million to the Padres to help offset Frazier’s contract. For good reason. MLB.com had the infielder as the fifth-ranked Padres prospect at the time of the trade. While the 21-year-old is hitting just .182 in the Majors this season, he did post a .272 average with six homers and 26 RBI in 44 games at Triple-A El Paso.
Adam Frazier will be a difference-maker for the San Diego Padres
Following Sunday’s 9-3 loss to the Miami Marlins, San Diego finds itself at 58-44 on the season. It is currently 5.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants and in third place in the National League West. The team is also 5.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final wildcard spot in the league.
Frazier entered Sunday’s action leading baseball with 125 hits while sporting a .327 average and .844 OPS. He’s also added four homers and 32 RBI to the mix in 97 games.
San Diego gets someone who can play multiple positions. Frazier is a second baseman by trade, but he’s also able to back up the likes of Tommy Pham, Trent Grisham and Wil Myers in the outfield. This certainly puts both San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers on notice heading down the stretch.