Royals reacquire former All-Star infielder who was integral part of 2024 playoffs
The Kansas City Royals reunited with a familiar face on Wednesday.
After facing the Pirates last week at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals made an All-Star break deal with the Pittsburgh organization, reacquiring infielder Adam Frazier in exchange for infield prospect Cam Devanney.
Frazier, 33, was an integral part of the Royals last season. He offered valuable leadership and versatility on the field. Many Royals raved about his willingness to offer advice and even set up team dinners on the road.
“I do think we missed kind of having his voice,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “He was kind of the voice of reason, even when he wasn’t performing the way he wanted to perform. He was still able to help our team.”
Frazier was clutch at the plate, too. He provided the Royals with a left-handed bat and could also handle defensive assignments in the infield. He played multiple positions, including second base, third base and the corner outfield spots.
Frazier hit .255 with three home runs and 21 RBIs with the Pirates. He dealt with a right shoulder injury but is healthy and will likely return to a bench role with the Royals.
Devanney, meanwhile, was called up from Triple-A Omaha recently but hadn’t appeared in a major-league game with the Royals.
“We grew to have some comfort in giving up Cam, Picollo said, “but it wasn’t easy to give him up because we respect what he did and he did a great job with us. We just weren’t able to provide (him) the opportunity in the big leagues at this moment. And we got to take care of business right now.”
Devanney has hit .272 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs in the minors this year. But now he is on the move again after the Royals acquired him for reliever Taylor Clarke in 2023.
The Royals have more infield depth with the acquisition of Frazier. Their bench options now include Frazier, Nick Loftin and Tyler Tolbert. All three can play the infield or outfield.
“We lacked depth and we need to get better in all areas of depth ...” Picollo said. “Having options to start in situations and bring in situations.
“We are not set up the way we want to be set up right now. And I think (Frazier) fills a lot of those points for us. And just happy we were able to work it out.”
Frazier also provides the Royals with another left-handed bat, as Michael Massey remains on the injured list. Massey hasn’t played since June 8 because of a left-ankle injury and hairline fracture in his right wrist.
The Royals begin a three-game weekend series against the Miami Marlins on Friday at LoanDepot Park.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 11:02 AM.
