Cleveland Indians: 3 affordable trade targets that could improve the outfield

Cleveland Indians Trade Target #3: Adam Frazier, Pittsburgh Pirates

Adam Frazier represents arguably the hottest commodity on the trade market among this trio of players, a 29-year old natural second basemen with outfield experience slashing .326/.395/.465 with 24 doubles through 77 game in 2021. Frazier has been arguably the most consistent Pirate since debuting in 2016, owning a career slash line of .281/.345/.421 over six seasons with Pittsburgh.

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Knowing Frazier’s incredibly symmetrical home-away and righty-lefty splits, he would likely fill an every day role for the Tribe, presumably taking over right field on a near permanent basis while also being able to relieve Cesar Hernandez on occasion. He also has a reputation for not striking out, registering a career high 75 strikeouts in 2019 and fewer than 300 over his six seasons.  Combining the affordability of his $4.3 million contract and being the most concrete solution to Cleveland’s problems, Frazier is a slam dunk plug-and-play candidate from day one should the Tribe pull the trigger.

The Pirates have the second lowest payroll in the league with a roster comprised largely of prospects getting the chance to prove their value to the future of the club, and the odd veteran like Tyler Anderson and Gregory Polanco.

The likes of the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees likely have interest in a player like Frazier as well, driving up demand and starting a bidding war, exactly what the Pirates might be hoping for. The Pirates farm is stacked with middle infielders, meaning an outfielder or an arm would have to be guaranteed back to Pittsburgh. A package that includes catcher Bryan Lavastida, outfielder Daniel Johnson and a lottery ticket might pique the Pirates’ interest with Johnson close to major league ready.