Inside The Pinstripes

Why Pirates' Adam Frazier Is 'Great Fit' For Yankees Trade

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier would be a great fit for the New York Yankees at the MLB Trade Deadline to improve their left handed hitting

Max Goodman

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

There's no question the Yankees need a boost when it comes to production from their left-handed hitters. 

Entering play on Friday, New York still has the lowest batting average (.182) and OPS (.573) in baseball from the left side of the plate.

If they do decide to go out and make a trade, adding a left-handed hitter with some defensive versatility, one MLB insider believes Pittsburgh's Adam Frazier would be a "great fit."

Jon Morosi of MLB Network wrote on Friday that Frazier would not only address New York's weaknesses from left-handed hitters, but he'd be a spark at second base as well, a position where the Yankees haven't found consistent production.

With injuries on the infield, manager Aaron Boone has needed to shift second baseman DJ LeMahieu around, splitting his time between starts at first, second and third base. While LeMahieu hasn't looked himself on offense (hitting .255 through 53 games), Rougned Odor has been even worse when playing second base. 

The veteran has provided energy and some power, stroking five home runs, but Odor is batting .189 (20-for-106) since coming over from the Rangers in April. 

New York's collective OPS at second base this season (.618) is 28th in the league.

Frazier—who can also play the outfield—has been a bright spot for one of the worst teams in baseball. Hitting .333 (72-for-216), Frazier leads the league in hits and doubles (19). In 54 games, Frazier has an OPS of .870 with 30 runs scored, 19 RBI and only 26 strikeouts. 

For a club that's struggled mightily with stringing hits together this season, living and dying with the home run ball, Frazier's ability to put the ball in play and get on base would be a resource for Boone and this starting lineup. 

It's worth noting that the Yankees and Pirates have already agreed on a deal this year. Pittsburgh sent starting pitcher Jameson Taillon to the Bronx before the season began in a trade for four prospects. It would take another substantial haul to reel in a player like Frazier, but that trade history between these clubs could certainly help get the ball rolling.

So, let's say New York does go on to acquire Frazier. With Luke Voit out for the next few weeks with an oblique injury, the second baseman would fit in his primary position while LeMahieu continues to play over at first base. Voit's already in his second stint on the IL this season—as much as he's been a revelation since being acquired from the Cardinals in 2018, there's no guarantee going forward that he can consistently stay healthy. 

Once Voit would be ready to return, then things would get dicey when it comes to playing time. Frazier's ability to play all three outfield positions, however, would provide Boone with more avenues to pencil his name into the lineup consistently. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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