RADIO
Adam Frazier Will Thrive With More Playing Time
7 years agoDue to injuries and suspensions, Adam Frazier received more playing time than expected for the Pirates last season. In 454 plate appearances, he batted .276/.344/.399 with six home runs, 53 RBI, 55 runs scored, and nine steals. Frazier’s ability to put the ball in play consistently (12.6 K%, 87.5% contact rate in 2017) is his best trait, and it should mean he’ll maintain a solid batting average like he has for his entire professional career. He also brings versatility, appearing everywhere except pitcher, catcher, and first base last year and gaining fantasy eligibility at second base and outfield. Aside from those attributes, however, nothing jumps off the page for Frazier, who was an overall below-average hitter in 2017 (97 wRC+). He has limited power, and he’s rather inefficient at stealing bases (58.3% success rate for his pro career). While his ability to play multiple positions will give him plenty of playing time, he also doesn’t have a starting spot guaranteed. Josh Harrison is still the starter at second base, while Sean Rodriguez, Jordan Luplow, and (eventually) Austin Meadows could also see time in left field. Frazier may be an option to consider in deep or NL-only leagues if Harrison is traded, but he should go undrafted in most cases.
