Pirates History: Revisiting the original Adam Frazier trade that sent him out of Pittsburgh

Adam Frazier is back in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal, rejoining the franchise he came up through the minor leagues and made his first All-Star Game with. All that success came prior to being dealt to San Diego at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline.

After being traded, his career instantly shifted in the wrong direction, causing him to play for three other teams on one-year deals. That led him to return to the Pirates this offseason. Since he is back, it feels worthwhile to reevaluate the initial trade that sent him away in the first place.

How does the Pirates' Adam Frazier trade from 2021 look now in 2025?

The headliner of this deal was Tucupita Marcano, who became the Pirates' seventh-ranked prospect after joining the team. At the time, he looked like a younger version of Frazier, a contact bat with plus defense.

Marcano played in just two seasons with the Pirates, posting a wRC+ of 61 with an OPS of .598, driving in just 31 runs. He got hurt, cutting his 2023 season short, but even worse news came out regarding Marcano in 2024, as his MLB career ended as punishment for gambling on baseball.

Another piece of this trade was Jack Suwinski, who has made the strongest impact out of everyone in this deal. He showed some promise in 2022, and had an even better 2023, but fell apart in 2024. His power upside is actually very valuable to the Pirates, and if they get that going, then he could very easily complete Pittsburgh's questionable outfield.

In three seasons with the Pirates, Suwinski has belted 54 home runs while posting a wRC+ of 96 and an OPS of .718. His strikeout rate has been a huge issue at 30.9%, though; when he does make contact with the ball, he hits it hard, often for extra bases. Suwinski has been the best piece of this deal, which is a little upsetting, but if he can play like he did in 2023, then the move will end up somewhat worth it.

The final piece of this trade was Michell Miliano, who is now a minor-league free agent after a few mediocre seasons in the Pirates' system. Ben Cherington's approach was, evidently, targeting quantity over quality.

He finished his time with Pittsburgh in 2023 with the Altoona Curve. He posted an ERA of 4.04 with an FIP of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.50. He had no control, walking opponents at a 15.2% clip. His ineffectiveness to get batters out contributed towards his release, ending his stint with the Pirates.

That leaves just one player left from this package of three. Frazier is back now, but it is very tough to determine whether or not the Pirates won this trade, despite the reunion.