The Kansas City Royals have reacquired infielder and outfielder Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade finalized on June 15, 2025. In exchange, the Royals sent infielder Cam Devanney back to Pittsburgh. This move adds a left-handed hitter with positional flexibility to Kansas City’s bench as they look to improve their roster depth for the remainder of the season.
Trade Details and Immediate Roster Moves
The teams confirmed the transaction early in the morning, with Pittsburgh optioning Cam Devanney to Triple-A Indianapolis shortly after the trade was announced. Since both Frazier and Devanney are already on their respective team’s 40-man rosters, no additional roster transactions were necessary to complete the swap.
Adam Frazier’s Previous Stint and Current Performance
Adam Frazier, 33, spent the 2024 season with the Royals but struggled offensively, hitting just .202/.282/.294 over 294 plate appearances. Returning to the Pirates, the club that drafted him, Frazier improved in the early part of 2025 with a .255/.318/.336 batting line. Over his last 119 plate appearances since mid-May, Frazier’s performance has notably increased, batting .302/.356/.387, although some of this success is supported by an inflated .360 batting average on balls in play, which may not be sustainable long-term.
Versatility and Role on the Field
Since returning to Pittsburgh, Frazier has played multiple positions, primarily second base but also left and right field. This positional flexibility will benefit the Royals, giving manager Matt Quatraro more options off the bench. The Royals had been operating with only right-handed hitters on the bench, so Frazier’s left-handed bat fills a gap in their lineup choices.
At second base, Jonathan India and Michael Massey have seen the most innings but have faced struggles, with Massey currently sidelined on the injured list. Kansas City has experimented extensively in left field, deploying ten different players this season without much consistent success. Frazier is expected to become another candidate to fill that role and help stabilize the outfield depth.
Contract Terms and Financial Implications
Frazier is under a one-year contract with the Pirates worth $1.525 million, of which just under $615,000 remains to be paid through the end of the season. The Royals will assume responsibility for this remaining salary following the trade. Frazier will become a free agent once the 2025 campaign concludes, providing the Royals with a short-term veteran addition.
Cam Devanney’s Career and Outlook with the Pirates
Cam Devanney, 28, was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Milwaukee traded him to Kansas City in 2023 for right-handed pitcher Taylor Clarke. Devanney has posted strong numbers at the Triple-A level this year, slashing .272/.366/.565 with 18 home runs, 14 doubles, and three triples across 288 plate appearances. He also boasts an 11.8% walk rate and a 24.3% strikeout rate while having successfully stolen three bases in four attempts.
With the Royals, Devanney has primarily played shortstop in Triple-A Omaha, but he has also filled time at third base, second base, and to a lesser extent, left field. His right-handed bat and infield versatility make him a candidate to contribute as a utility player for Pittsburgh. The Pirates’ current starting shortstop, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, is expected to be traded within the coming weeks, which could open additional playing opportunities for Devanney at the major league level.
Despite this being Devanney’s first call-up to a major league roster, he retains all three remaining minor league options, allowing Pittsburgh flexibility in how they deploy him the rest of the season.
Implications for the Royals’ Roster and Season Outlook
This trade provides the Royals with a more dependable left-handed bat and a veteran presence capable of covering several defensive positions. Adam Frazier’s experience and improved recent production could bolster an inconsistent bench and provide better matchup versatility for manager Matt Quatraro.
As the Royals navigate through injuries and performance issues with their middle infield and outfield, the addition of Frazier offers a chance to stabilize these positions. Meanwhile, sending Cam Devanney to the Pirates aligns with their plans of adding a multifaceted infielder who could see expanded playing time, especially with Kiner-Falefa’s anticipated departure.
Both clubs appear to be positioning themselves for strategic flexibility as they push through the second half of the season, and the Royals hope this deal will support improved offensive and defensive options in close games.