The MLB season’s heating up now that the draft and All-Star Game are in the rearview. Suddenly, everyone’s attention shifts to the trade deadline—a make-or-break moment for teams hoping to shore up their rosters for a playoff run.
The Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates just kicked off the trade action. The Royals picked up veteran second baseman Adam Frazier, sending Triple-A infielder Cam Devanney to Pittsburgh. It’s not a blockbuster, but it does say a lot about the state of the league right now—teams are walking a tightrope between fixing immediate problems and thinking about the future.
Kansas City’s Desperate Need at Second Base
Kansas City’s move for Frazier comes from a pretty obvious issue—they’re hurting at second base. Michael Massey and Jonathan India, their main guys at the position, just haven’t been getting it done at the plate.
The Royals sit at 47-50, clinging to an 11.6% playoff chance. They’re rolling the dice on a steady veteran, hoping to keep their Wild Card dreams alive.
Instead of tearing things down for a full rebuild and eyeing 2026, the Royals want to keep some momentum from last year’s ALDS run. It’s clear that GM J.J. Picollo isn’t ready to punt on this season, even if it means risking the future a bit.
Adam Frazier: A Solid, but Unspectacular Addition
Frazier brings a ton of experience, including playoff games under his belt. At 31, he’s a steady presence and a defensive upgrade at second. But let’s be honest—his bat hasn’t exactly been on fire lately.
His .695 OPS this season? Not exactly the jolt the Royals need. Still, he’s adaptable and brings a professional approach—qualities that don’t always show up in the box score but can matter in the clubhouse.
The Royals might’ve paid a high price for that stability, though, by sending away a young player like Cam Devanney.
Did Kansas City Overpay for Frazier?
Cam Devanney is quietly breaking out in Triple-A. He’s got a 137 wRC+ and can handle multiple positions, which is pretty valuable. Trading a guy with that kind of upside for a veteran whose best years seem behind him? That’s a tough call.
But sometimes, even players like Frazier—solid but unspectacular—can be real upgrades if a team has a glaring hole. Maybe the Royals see this as a necessary, if imperfect, step to patch things up right now.
The Value of Prospects: A Lesson from Top Front Offices
The Royals’ willingness to move Devanney makes you wonder about how they value their prospects. Teams like the Rays and Dodgers have built powerhouses by spotting under-the-radar prospects who turn into stars.
Letting go of a young player like Devanney for a minor improvement at second doesn’t really follow that blueprint. It’s a reminder that not every team approaches development the same way, especially those stuck in the middle tier.
What This Trade Says About MLB’s Trade Deadline Trends
This Kansas City–Pittsburgh swap highlights some bigger trends across the league. Blockbuster trades for All-Star types are getting rare—teams don’t want to give up their best prospects.
And the idea of paying extra for “veteran presence” just won’t die, even when analytics say otherwise. Teams like the Royals still shell out for players they think will steady the ship, even if the results on the field are, well, debatable.
Will the Royals’ Gamble Pay Off?
Acquiring Adam Frazier might not make a huge difference for Kansas City. If the Royals miss the playoffs, people will probably call this trade another case of chasing short-term gains and losing a promising young player.
But what if Frazier sparks some magic? Maybe he helps the team surge and gives fans hope for a Wild Card spot—that’s not impossible.
This move probably won’t grab national headlines. Still, it shows the kinds of risks teams will take when the trade deadline looms.
Will it work out? Or will Kansas City regret it in a couple of years? Honestly, nobody knows yet, and that’s part of why we watch.
Here is the source article for this story: Trade Season Comes in Like a Lamb
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