Angels add veteran bat Frazier on Minor League deal (source)

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels are set to add veteran infield depth and a much-needed bat from the left side, as they agreed to a Minor League deal with Adam Frazier on Monday, according to a source. The club has not confirmed the deal.

Frazier arrived at Angels camp on Monday, but he still has to pass his physical before it becomes official. He said he is excited to join the Angels and get a chance to compete for a roster spot.

“Just a good opportunity to go in, play well and show what I can do,” Frazier said. “There’s a lot of competition going on. So just trying to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Frazier is expected to see most of his action at second base, but manager Kurt Suzuki said he also plans to play him at third base and in the outfield. Frazier gives youngster Christian Moore some competition at second base, and he’ll also compete with Oswald Peraza, Vaughn Grissom and non-roster invitee Chris Taylor for a utility role.

“He brings some veteran presence and versatility,” Suzuki said of Frazier. “He’s competing, like the rest of the guys. We’ll see how it goes, but he looks to be in great shape. Obviously, I played against him a lot, and know what he can do, both offensively and defensively. So having that veteran presence for that competition is going to be awesome.”

After enjoying a career year with the Pirates and Padres in 2021, when he was named an All-Star, Frazier regressed at the plate, though he produced his best offensive season since then in '25. He posted a .267/.319/.365 slash line in 459 plate appearances between the Pirates and Royals last season, improving his OPS by more than 100 points over the previous year. That included a .722 OPS in 56 games down the stretch with Kansas City.

Frazier, who is entering his age-34 campaign, profiles as a contact hitter who doesn’t strike out often (17.6% strikeout rate in 2025) and connects in the ideal launch angle range at a high clip -- his 39.5% sweet spot rate last season ranked in the 92nd percentile among qualified hitters.

Defensively, Frazier is versatile, having played multiple infield and outfield positions during his 10-year MLB career. He saw most of his playing time last season at second base, where he graded out as a plus defender (+3 Outs Above Average, per Statcast). He also appeared at third base, as well as in left field and right field.

“I feel like I can complement a team in a lot of places on the field,” Frazier said. “So just do what I’ve done over the past handful of years and try to be ready at every position and go in and contribute.”

Frazier has returned to a former club multiple times -- he began his career with Pittsburgh and signed with the Bucs as a free agent to begin last season before being traded back to the Royals, for whom he played in 2024. That suggests he brings a positive clubhouse presence in addition to what he contributes on the field.

He’s also had a lot of success against the Angels with a career .322/.400/.496 slash line against them, including a .400 average in 55 at-bats at Angel Stadium, so now he’s hoping that will carry over.

“I like hitting in Anaheim,” Frazier said. “It’s a great place to play, and I enjoy that. But no rhyme or reason behind it.”

Angels tidbits

• Reliever Kaleb Ort is the only player not in camp. He is attending the birth of his child. Right-hander Caden Dana missed nearly a week with an illness but returned on Sunday, while lefty Samy Natera Jr. (ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Angels' No. 20 prospect) had visa issues coming from Mexico but arrived Friday.

• Lefties Yusei Kikuchi and Sam Aldegheri (No. 13) are both ahead of the other pitchers and have been facing hitters to get ready for the World Baseball Classic. Kikuchi will represent Japan for the first time, while Aldegheri will pitch for Team Italy.

• Third baseman Yoán Moncada said he lost 20 pounds this offseason in an effort to stay healthy.