4 KC Royals players who won't be back for 2025

Adam Frazier has played his last game for the KC Royals

Before the 2024 season, the Royals signed Adam Frazier to a one-year, $2 million deal with a $8.5 million mutual option for 2025. Should the Royals turn down the mutual option — which they are expected to do over the coming weeks — Frazier's contract includes a $2.5 million buyout.

Frazier was brought in to be the Royal's everyday second baseman, but as the season progressed, the 34-year-old became more of a utility player that only sometimes made the lineup. In 104 games (262 at-bats), Frazier slashed .202/.282/.294 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI, continuing a downward trend in his batting stats that has progressively gotten worse over the last few seasons.

While Frazier's ability to field across multiple positions is useful, his offensive struggles and lack of a place as an everyday starter means it makes no sense for the Royals to keep him for 2025, especially at $8.5 million.