Frazier, Pirates part ways

BRADENTON, Fla. — There won’t be any “Toddfather” sightings in Pittsburgh this summer, as Todd Frazier won’t join the Pirates after all.

The veteran infielder, signed this spring to a minor league deal, exercised his opt-out clause Friday and became a free agent, a source confirmed.

Frazier was not expected to be part of the Pirates’ opening day roster because of other roster management decisions, the source added, so the 35-year-old (understandably) wanted the chance to make a major league club.

Starting Thursday, the Pirates had 48 hours to inform Frazier whether he would make the club.

While dealing with lower-back tightness, Frazier hit .250 in 12 spring games (7 for 28). He had two doubles and tied for the team lead with three home runs while also striking out eight times.

The Pirates signed Frazier, a two-time All-Star who has played for the Reds, White Sox, Yankees and Mets, Feb. 20. If Frazier made the 26- man roster, the deal would’ve paid him $1.5 million.

When the move was made, it appeared as though Frazier would create a platoon situation at first base with Colin Moran. Although Frazier slashed just .236/.302/.382 in 45 games last year, he hit .343 against lefties.

Furthermore, Frazier was viewed as a veteran leader who could help mold some of the Pirates’ younger position players, especially serving as something of a mentor for Ke’Bryan Hayes.

But for whatever reason, the Pirates did not feel that Frazier could be a consistent contributor to the club.

It’s almost certain they’ll carry nine pitchers, which will leave them with a four-man bench. Three of those spots will go to the backup catcher, a fourth outfielder and Erik Gonzalez, who serves as a backup in the middle infield.

The final spot was believed to be between Frazier, Phillip Evans and Wilmer Difo, who also was signed to a minor league deal this offseason.

Evans was the best of the bunch this spring, hitting .393 in 12 games (11 for 28) with seven RBIs. If there’s one knock on what Evans has done, it’s that 10 of those hits were singles.

Evans, 28, also made an impression last year when he found himself playing regularly for the first time in his career, hitting .359 in 39 at-bats before a collision with Gregory Polanco concussed Evans and left him with a broken jaw.

Having Evans around would give the Pirates someone who could play the corner infield and outfield spots. The same for Difo, really, although Difo has never played first base.

One would have to think that Frazier, who has five 20-plus-homer seasons on his resume, won’t be out of work long. He’s extremely well-liked around baseball and still can hit for power.

While Frazier might find it tough to nail down an every-day job, he can absolutely help a team off the bench or in a platoon role while also functioning as a veteran leader.

For that reason, especially with their lack of those guys, it was a little surprising to see the Pirates keep Frazier off of their 26-man roster.