The Pittsburgh Pirates front office is dealing with serious fan backlash after making a surprising move that sent their $1.5 million star packing to Kansas City. Well, you know how Pirates fans can get when their beloved players get shipped out, especially one who’s been a steady presence in the lineup. The trade has left many questioning the team’s direction and commitment to keeping homegrown talent.

Want to take a guess who we’re talking about? It’s none other than Adam Frazier, the versatile veteran who’s been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s infield for years. The $1.5 million player found himself on the move to the Kansas City Royals in what’s being called a strategic MLB trade that caught many off guard. Frazier’s departure marks the end of an era for Pirates fans who’ve watched him develop into a reliable everyday player.

And here things get interesting- Pirates sent Frazier to Kansas City in a deal for Cam Devanney, a 28-year-old infielder who has been mowing down the Triple-A Omaha pitching. That line translates to .272/.366/.565 with 18 homers and 55 RBI in 69 games. .931 OPS is the best in most offensive categories by Royals full-season minor leaguers. When those numbers flashed before the eyes of Pirates GM Ben Cherington, those words must have conjured in his mind: “This is our guy.” Well-well!

The story of the two athletes is as different as possible. Frazier offers the experience and reliability of a major league player to Kansas City, and Devanney offers upside to Pittsburgh. The young slugger has gained experience at shortstop, tallying more than 1,060 innings with a decent.968 fielding percentage, which ranks the slugger third in the MiLB, as well. In the meantime, versatility of Frazier presents the Royals with what they require in their playoff efforts. It would be logical on both sides, although the fans of the Pirates will not sing yet.

Pirates fans react with mixed emotions over Frazier’s departure

As the Pirates front office sits back and likely pats themselves on the back in this move, in thought of it being a strategic move to open room at the infield, Pirates Nation has essentially reverted into a full-out civil war over losing their hero infielder. The responses have been none other than explosive, alternating between total meltdowns to surprisingly measured responses, proving this trade has divided the fanbase right in two in the most intriguing way possible.

One pragmatic fan immediately referenced the team’s rebuilding timeline. “People act like the world just ended with this trade. Frazier doesn’t help us this season,” posted one Twitter user, referencing Pittsburgh’s 17-game deficit in the NL Central standings and Frazier’s expiring contract status.

Another supporter quickly focused on Frazier’s career opportunity. “Frazier gets to play for a contender. Good for him,” wrote a Twitter supporter, noting Kansas City’s 4.5-game wild-card chase compared to Pittsburgh’s .413 winning percentage and last-place division standing.

Several fans immediately questioned the trade’s value. “What a terrible trade!” exclaimed Twitter fans, citing Frazier’s .263 career batting average across 10 MLB seasons and his veteran leadership role during Pittsburgh’s 78-game sample this season.

Emotional supporters instantly expressed their heartbreak over the move. “Noooooooooo! Not Frazier. This is too sad,” posted emotional Twitter supporters, highlighting his 963 career hits, 63 home runs, and fan-favorite status since returning on his $1.525 million deal.

Other fans quickly defended the front office’s decision. “Solid trade,” commented analytical Twitter fans, pointing to prospect Cam Devanney’s acquisition and Frazier’s 2024 struggles (.202 average, 20.1% strikeout rate) as justification for the organizational move.

Passionate, completely divided, but somehow always invested in where this team is heading next—that’s the beauty and the curse of being a Pirates fan in 2025.