The Kansas City Royals acquired infielder Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, trading minor league prospect Cam Devanney in return. Fansided insider Robert Murray broke the news. Both players stay on their teams’ 40-man rosters, so no additional moves are necessary. Devanney has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Trade: The Kansas City Royals are acquiring infielder Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to sources familiar with the deal. Cam Devanney is going to the Pirates.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 16, 2025
Frazier Brings Experience to Royals
Frazier, 33, returns to Kansas City with a familiar face. He played here last year and now adds versatility at second base and the outfield. His 2021 All-Star days are behind him, but he’s hitting .255 with three home runs this season. Over his last 199 at-bats, he’s slashed .302/.356/.387. Against right-handers, he posts a solid .267/.326/.352. Royals fans hope his experience lifts the team, though his 83 OPS+ won’t fix all offensive woes.
Devanney Boosts Pirates’ Future
Devanney, 28, steps up from Triple-A Omaha with a strong .272/.366/.565 line and a .931 OPS over 69 games. Kansas City called him up last week, but he didn’t debut. Drafted by Milwaukee in 2019, he joined the Royals in 2023 for reliever Taylor Clarke. This middle infielder, with 383 minor-league games at shortstop and 100 at third, brings depth to Pittsburgh. The Pirates give him a soft landing spot to start his MLB career.
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Cam Devanney, acquired for Adam Frazier.
18 home runs and a .931 OPS in AAA this season.
He has never made the majors and is 28 years old, but was also blocked by superstar Bobby Witt Jr.
A middle infielder with pop? #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/G6WOJU2Me7
— Austin Oravec (@AustinOravec) July 16, 2025
A Win-Win Trade
This deal meets both teams’ goals. Kansas City gains a left-handed bat to chase a postseason spot, trailing the Wild Card by 4.5 games. Pittsburgh, out of contention at 39-58, gets an MLB-ready prospect. The Royals, at 47-50, may seek more help before the deadline. The Pirates can now focus on youth. With the trade deadline two weeks away, both teams are set for more action. The Royals need to add power to the lineup, and Pittsburgh will be one of the few teams in a fire sale.
What’s Next?
The Royals aim to build on their lead in the AL Central. Frazier’s know-how could spark a run. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh gives Devanney a chance to shine. Expect both clubs to stay busy as the July 31 deadline nears.
Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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