Pirates trade fan favorite infielder back to Royals, acquire powerful Triple-A shortstop

Kansas City Royals v Los Angeles Dodgers
Kansas City Royals v Los Angeles Dodgers | Jeremy Chen/GettyImages

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly kicked off their trade deadline selloff, dealing infielder Adam Frazier to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for shortstop Cam Devanney.

The trade, first reported by FanSided's Robert Murray, sends Frazier back to Kansas City, where he spent the 2024 season before returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal in 2025. The veteran infielder struggled at the plate during his first stint with the Royals, hitting .202/.282/.294 in 294 plate appearances, but improved to a .255/.318/.336 line in his return to the Pirates team that drafted him back in 2013.

Frazier adds value defensively with his ability to play second base and outfield, but he had faded primarily into a reserve role with the Pirates due to the return of second baseman Nick Gonzales from the injured list and the recent offensive emergence of Tommy Pham in left field.

Pirates trade Adam Frazier back to Royals, acquire powerful Triple-A shortstop Cam Devanney

Devanney was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Elon University. In six minor leagues seasons, the right-handed hitter carries a .253/.341/.448 batting line with 122 doubles, 10 triples, 83 home runs, 311 RBI and 41 steals across 584 games.

Devanney was hitting a career-best .272/.366/.565 with 18 home runs and 55 RBI in Triple-A Omaha before being called up to the big leagues last week – ironically, during the Royals' series against the Pirates – but he did not appear in a game for the Royals. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Brewers after the 2023 season in a trade for reliever Taylor Clarke.

It stands to reason that the 28-year-old Devanney will finally make his Major League debut with the Pirates after spending parts of four seasons at the Triple-A level, especially if Pittsburgh opts to deal everyday shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and/or third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes at the deadline. Kiner-Falefa in particular is on an expiring contract and has a high chance of getting dealt.

Devanney also brings defensive versatility with the ability to play every infield position as well as left field. He will take Frazier's spot on the Pirates' 40-man roster and may get an opportunity in the Pirates' lineup to get some looks against left-handed pitching.

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