The Detroit Tigers are the top team in baseball, but there are still ways to improve the roster. While not a major need, adding outfield depth is something the Tigers should consider at the MLB trade deadline.
If the Tigers don’t want to spend a fortune on a top player, Zachary Howell of Clutch Points proposed a trade for Detroit with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Howell’s trade proposal would have the Pirates sending outfielder Adam Frazier to the Tigers for 25th 25th-ranked prospect, outfielder Justice Bigbee.
“The 33-year-old has a decade of major league experience and has been to the playoffs three times.” Howell writes. “Even at the end of his prime, he is still an above-average fielder. Frazier signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract, making him a contender’s dream on the trade market.”
With Matt Vierling dealing with an injury and their outfield depth being questionable, Frazier would be a cheap, quality depth piece. While he’s a great fielder still, his offense isn’t his strong suit.
In 70 games with the Pirates this season, Frazier has 55 hits, 21 runs scored, nine doubles, three home runs, 20 RBIs, seven stolen bases, 17 walks, and 39 strikeouts. He’s amassed 0.7 WAR and has been a solid, versatile infielder and outfielder for Pittsburgh.
With a .650 OPS and an 82 OPS+, Frazier is a slightly below-average hitter. But, he’s a very affordable trade target for the Tigers, and would be a nice depth piece in an outfield that has dealt with injuries this season.
Frazier isn’t a splash, but for a World Series-contending team, adding a veteran with infield and outfield versatility is a move well worth pulling off. For the Tigers, adding a player like Frazier makes a ton of sense, especially as they look to round out their roster.
