Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Goals for the Month of June

Solidify Adam Frazier as a Premium Trade Deadline Option

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates will look to move Adam Frazier at this year’s trade deadline. With little hope of competing before his contract expires post-2022 and with plenty of middle infield talent behind him in the farm system, it is easy to see why Frazier would be moved to a different team. While I obviously want to see Frazier succeed throughout June so that the Pirates win more games, the additional benefit of a strong June would be Frazier’s return at the trade deadline.

The Pirates have struggled to trade Frazier over the past offseason and trade deadline. This is most likely due to Frazier’s below average 2020 season. Frazier’s 2020 season is looking more and more like an outlier. GMs were likely worried that Frazier’s .230 batting average in 2020 was the start of a negative trend. Without an elite hit tool, Frazier’s lack of power and lack of (elite) speed would make him a utility bench player, not a starter. However, 2021 has started to put those worries to rest.

Entering play on Monday, Frazier led all MLB hitters with 68 hits and was slashing .333/.394/.471.  Additionally, his 15 doubles are tied with teammate Bryan Reynolds for the second most in the National League.

He is on track to be a 5+ WAR player that provides above average defense at second base (with the versatility to play at other positions) and can hit leadoff with confidence. If Frazier is able to keep this profile in tack through June, he immediately becomes one of, if not the most, intriguing trade deadline position players. The result of this would be great for both Frazier and the Pirates as Frazier would get a chance to compete for a World Series and the Pittsburgh Pirates would bolster their farm system.