Breakdown of the Adam Frazier/Cam Devanney Trade Swap
Not even 24 hours after the MLB All-Star Game, the Pittsburgh Pirates made their first notable move of the trade season - dealing veteran utility man Adam Frazier to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for infielder Cam Devanney. The trade was first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided.
This marks the second time Frazier has been traded by the Pirates, as he was dealt by the Bucs to the San Diego Padres at the 2021 trade deadline for Jack Suwinski.
The 33-year-old Frazier had signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh last offseason at $1.5 million. In 78 games this season, he slashed .255/.318/.336.
Devanney was a 15th round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2019 draft out of Elon University.
In December of 2023, the Brewers traded Devanney to the Royals, as part of a three-player deal.
Following a productive 2024 campaign playing at AAA Omaha (.781 OPS and 19 HR), Devanney has been even this year with Omaha; posting a .931 OPS with 18 HR.
Given that both Frazier and Devanney were on their respective 40-man rosters, no corresponding move needs to be made.
Assessment: Frazier played on the Royals’ 24 postseason team last year. He’ll get to reunite with a contender that is very much in the mix of a wide open American League wild card race. KC’s bench is mostly right-handed, so Frazier gives them a veteran lefty batter, who puts together competitive at-bats and doesn’t strike out much.
From the Pirates’ point of view, Devanney is a shortstop with offensive upside - something that is lacking at the position depth-wise. Defensively, he’s considered average at short.
Devanney was never going to receive the chance to be the Royals primary shortstop, since they obviously have Bobby Witt Jr. there for many years to come.
With the Bucs expected to move Isiah Kiner-Falefa before, or at the deadline, I would expect Devanney to get full run as the Pirates everyday shortstop.
A rental Adam Frazier wasn’t going to bring back much, which is better that the Pirates opted for an upper-minors player with some upside being blocked in another system, as opposed to an A ball “lottery ticket” that you cross your fingers on.