Over the past year, Adam Frazier has been a popular name in trade rumors. In 2020 he struggled at the plate but was still one of Pittsburgh’s most valuable trade chips. Less than two months into the 2021 season, Frazier has returned to form. The Georgia native is off to an impressive start and has been hard to keep off the base paths. With injuries mounting, he is providing a reminder of the value he brings.
In 133 at-bats this season, Frazier is hitting .308. The 29-year-old leads the Pirates in hits and on-base percentage. While he has not hit a home run this season, he is one of three Pirates regulars with a batting average above .250. Less than two months into the season, he has been a sparkplug at the top of the Bucs lineup and been solid in the field.
Through 33 games, Frazier has committed four errors. His versatility has been on full display as he has spent time in the outfield and at second base. On May 1st, he showed off his range on a remarkable play that may be the best of the Pirates season. With the shift on against Paul DeJong, Frazier bounded to his right on a groundball to the left of second base and reached across his body to snag the ball and jump-threw to first base to get the out. The play showed his value in the field despite a rough April.
Yo this play by Adam Frazier is INSANE pic.twitter.com/go2fWyk0P5
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 2, 2021
Frazier has been on a tear of late
So far this season, Frazier has been one of the Pirates’ best players. As Pittsburgh has dealt with injuries, he has only missed one game. Although the offense has struggled of late, Frazier has been on fire. In his last seven games, he is hitting .370. He also has four doubles in that span and has raised his season batting average from .294 to .308. On Monday night, he was able to extend his hitting to a season-high 11 games.
Over the next few weeks, Pittsburgh will need Frazier at his best. With Colin Moran and Ke’Bryan Hayes on the IL, the Pirates are without two of their best hitters. While Frazier isn’t expected to replace their power, he will need to be the spark. So far in May, he has done that as he is hitting .333 this month and has forced four walks. The former sixth-round pick has shown a great eye at the plate and only struck out four times this month.
As the trade deadline draws closer, Frazier will be a popular name. He won’t be a free agent until 2023, and he could make a difference on contending teams due to his versatility and ability to get on base. After a forgettable 2020 campaign, Frazier’s trade value is climbing.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
