Adam Frazier – Pittsburgh Pirates Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Adam Frazier has carved out a solid career as a versatile infielder in Major League Baseball since he first suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016.

The left-handed hitter has bounced around a bit in recent years, always showing off his knack for making contact and his flexibility on defense.

After testing free agency, Frazier signed a one-year, $1.525 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 29, 2025, bringing him back to where it all started.

At 33, the Mississippi State alum has built up a net worth of about $23.19 million over his nine seasons in the majors.

His current salary is a big drop from some of his earlier deals—he once earned up to $8 million a year—but he still brings value with his experience and ability to play all over the field.

Frazier’s story includes a 2021 All-Star nod and stops with the Padres, Mariners, Orioles, and Royals before making his way back to Pittsburgh.

Before the 2024 season, the Royals turned down an $8.5 million mutual option with Frazier, which made him a free agent and eventually led to his homecoming with the Pirates.

Pittsburgh fans remember his steady batting and that classic gap-to-gap approach.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Adam Frazier’s path to pro baseball started in Athens, Georgia.

He found his love for the game early, playing in youth leagues and getting plenty of support from his family.

Childhood and Family Background

Born December 14, 1991, in Athens, Georgia, Frazier showed athletic talent right from the start.

He gravitated toward baseball, and his parents encouraged him to join local youth leagues.

Frazier spent hours at the park and in batting cages, working on his skills.

His dad would hit grounders to him after work, making sure he learned the basics of hitting and fielding.

Growing up in a small Georgia town, Frazier picked up the work ethic and grit that later defined his baseball style.

His family made sacrifices so he could play in tournaments and attend showcase events, all of which gave him important experience.

High School Accomplishments

At Oconee County High School, Frazier stood out right away.

He lettered all four years on varsity, showing off his skills both as an infielder and at the plate.

During his senior year, he hit over .300 and earned All-Region honors.

He played multiple positions, mostly excelling at shortstop—an adaptability that would pay off later.

College scouts took notice, especially after he led his team to the regional playoffs.

He also kept up with his academics, knowing that school mattered for his future.

College Baseball Journey

Frazier accepted a scholarship to Mississippi State University, where he grew into one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable players.

Over three years, he became a key part of the team.

His junior year was a breakout—he led the NCAA with 107 hits and helped Mississippi State reach the College World Series finals.

That season, he hit .394 and earned All-American honors, which really boosted his draft stock.

Coaches loved his baseball smarts and contact-hitting approach.

Playing in the SEC taught him how to handle tough pitchers and high-pressure moments.

The Pittsburgh Pirates saw his potential and picked him in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

That started his climb through the minor leagues.

MLB Career Overview

Adam Frazier has put together a pretty notable MLB career since debuting in 2016.

Most people know him for his time with the Pirates, but he’s also played for a handful of other teams.

His journey has always been about steady hitting, defensive flexibility, and adapting to whatever team he finds himself on.

Draft and Signing with the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Frazier in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

He signed and quickly started working his way up through the minors.

Right away, he impressed with his contact skills and ability to get on base.

He played both infield and outfield, showing off that versatility.

After three years, Frazier got the call to the majors.

He debuted on June 24, 2016, kicking off what would become a long relationship with the Pirates.

He displayed a disciplined approach at the plate from the start.

Rise with Pittsburgh Pirates

Frazier became a valuable utility player for the Pirates before settling in as their main second baseman.

His lefty bat and knack for hitting for average made him a big part of the lineup.

In 2018 and 2019, he really found his place, playing 152 games in 2019 and batting .278.

He broke out in early 2021, hitting .324 and earning his first All-Star selection.

That stretch was peak Frazier—great bat control and improved defense at second.

After his All-Star campaign, the Pirates traded him to the San Diego Padres in July 2021.

That ended his first stint in Pittsburgh after almost six seasons.

Trades and Transitions Across MLB

After leaving Pittsburgh, Frazier moved around the league:

• San Diego Padres (2021): Joined mid-season during his All-Star year
• Seattle Mariners (2022): Traded in the offseason
• Baltimore Orioles (2023): Signed as a free agent
• Pittsburgh Pirates (2024-present): Came back on a one-year deal for $1.525 million

Each stop brought new challenges.

His numbers went up and down, but he kept his reputation as a pro hitter who could play anywhere.

Returning to Pittsburgh in 2024 felt a bit like coming home.

The Pirates clearly still valued what he brought to the clubhouse.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Over his career, Frazier has picked up some nice achievements:

• 2021 All-Star selection during his red-hot first half with Pittsburgh
• Career .273 batting average (up to 2024), showing his steady approach
• Ranked among MLB doubles leaders in a few seasons
• Played second base, left field, right field, and sometimes shortstop

Frazier isn’t a power hitter—he focuses on contact and using the whole field.

That’s made him a useful piece for every team he’s joined.

His career earnings have topped $23 million, which isn’t bad for a guy who’s never really been a slugger.

He’s stayed relevant because of his consistency and ability to fill so many roles.

Contract Details and Salary History

Frazier’s career has included several contract shifts as he’s moved around MLB.

His financial story really mirrors his value on the trade market and the changing salary scene in pro baseball.

Signing Bonuses and Early Contracts

Frazier started his MLB money journey with the Pirates after the 2013 draft.

His first contracts were pretty modest—he had to prove himself.

By 2021, he’d earned a one-year, $4.3 million contract through arbitration.

As Frazier kept performing, especially with his average and defense, his market value went up.

He landed bigger contracts after that, thanks to his reputation as a steady second baseman and outfielder.

Arbitration eligibility helped him negotiate better deals as he gained experience.

Notable Trades and Contract Changes

Frazier’s contract history is full of moves that affected his salary.

In 2021, the Pirates traded him to the Padres, and then he moved to the Mariners, Orioles, and Royals before heading back to Pittsburgh.

Most recently, in January 2025, Frazier signed a one-year deal for $1.525 million with the Pirates.

That’s a step down from his peak salary of $8 million with other teams.

Every trade changed his market value in the free-agent world.

His moves during the offseason always seemed to reflect both team needs and his own recent stats.

Playing Style and On-Field Performance

Adam Frazier is known as a contact-first hitter who can handle a bunch of positions.

He’s not a power guy—he just puts the ball in play.

Contact Skills and Hitting Metrics

Frazier stands out for his contact ability.

He keeps his strikeout rate low, usually around 12-14%, which helps him keep his average in the .260-.280 range.

He prefers line drives over fly balls, so he doesn’t hit many home runs.

His BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) tends to be high, which means he makes good contact.

Still, his power numbers are pretty modest—single-digit home runs most years.

His wOBA (Weighted On-Base Average) shows he brings steady but not flashy offense.

He’s not the guy you count on for big hits, but he’ll get on base.

Defensive Versatility

Frazier’s defensive flexibility is a huge asset.

He mainly plays second base, but teams have used him all over.

• Second base: His main spot, where he’s got solid range and reliable hands
• Outfield: Often plays left, sometimes right
• Shortstop: Can fill in if needed, though it’s not his best position

This flexibility has made Frazier a favorite for teams that want options.

His defense rates as average to a little above average at second, and he holds his own in the outfield.

Notable Season Performances

Frazier’s best year was 2021, when he made the All-Star team with the Pirates before getting traded to the Padres.

He led the National League in hits during the first half and batted over .300.

Things got tougher in 2022 with the Mariners—his average dipped below his usual mark.

He couldn’t quite repeat his All-Star numbers, and his advanced stats suggested he was coming back down to earth after that big year.

In 2023, he signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Orioles, showing teams still valued his versatility.

For 2025, he’s back with the Pirates on a one-year, $1.525 million contract, which really highlights how much his value goes up and down based on recent performance.

Accolades, Personal Life, and Legacy

Adam Frazier’s baseball journey includes some big milestones and a life off the field that speaks to his character.

He’s left his mark through both his play and his approach to the game.

All-Star Selections and Honors

Adam Frazier hit a major career milestone in 2021. He picked up his first All-Star selection while wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform.

He really stood out in the first half of that season. At the time, he ranked among the league leaders in hitting.

Right before the Pirates traded him to the San Diego Padres, Frazier was batting over .320. You don’t see that kind of consistency from many hitters in the National League.

Getting named to the All-Star team put him in the same conversation as guys like Trea Turner and Jake Cronenworth.

Teams have valued Frazier for his defensive versatility. He’s played a lot of second base, but he’s also handled himself well in the outfield.

He’s always brought above-average defense, which makes him a great fit for teams that want flexible roster options.

Off-field Interests

When he’s not on the field, Frazier keeps things pretty low-key. He got engaged, and news broke about it in early 2025.

That big life event happened right around the time he signed his new contract with the Pirates.

Frazier doesn’t really chase the spotlight. You won’t find him posting constantly on social media like Kris Bryant or Trevor Bauer.

He seems to prefer privacy, at least compared to some of his MLB peers.

People close to him say he enjoys spending time outdoors and hanging out with family. He also gets involved in community work, but he usually does it quietly, without much attention.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Frazier’s earned respect in clubhouses thanks to his consistent approach and a professional attitude that just doesn’t waver. Coaches with the Pirates, Padres, and a few other teams have pointed out how much he prepares and how hard he works.

Veterans like Brett Gardner and Rich Hill have even talked about Frazier’s positive clubhouse presence in interviews. Honestly, his style reminds me of those utility guys who squeeze every bit of value out of their versatility and reliability.

When the Pirates signed Frazier again on a one-year, $1.525 million contract for 2025, Jerry Dipoto and the front office pointed to his leadership and how well he knows the organization as big reasons for bringing him back. That move back to Pittsburgh really shows the impression he left the first time around.