Kansas City Royals outfielder John Rave still remembers the day he walked into a local Minnesota steakhouse with his teammates.
As a rookie, Rave was excited for the team-bonding experience. It was one of the perks often associated with being in the big leagues.
Upon arrival, Rave took a minute to scan the menu. There was a lot to digest in a short amount of time — from the best steak selections to the proper sides. Among the options were the fan-favorite Japanese A5 wagyu and the iconic filet mignon.
Rave ultimately decided on the beef long rib as his entree. And to this day, he’s pleased by that decision.
“It was the biggest piece of meat that I’ve ever seen,” Rave said.
The beef entree weighed in around 40 ounces. Rave enjoyed the meal and the free time with his teammates away from the field.
The dining experience allowed him to be present in the moment. Additionally, it offered him balance while he navigates his first full season.
It’s something Rave learned from veteran teammate Adam Frazier.
“Since Frazier has been here, that was one of the top ones,” Rave said of the restaurant experience. “We’ve got a really good group of veterans that take care of us. So yeah, I’ve been fortunate to have some nice meals and not worry about it afterwards.”
A clubhouse presence
The Royals value team chemistry during a grueling MLB season. In spring training, the club held a team-wide golf outing and spent a day at Six Flags. Sometimes, the club will wear matching shirts to bring awareness to special causes.
On Tuesday, the Royals all sported Kansas City basketball jerseys during their pregame work and batting practice. The idea was the brainchild of Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr., who got the jerseys ordered.
Frazier sported his No. 26 basketball jersey on the field.
It’s been a month since he returned to the organization after a midseason trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. And Frazier, alongside his teammates, felt like he never left.
“He is a glue guy,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “He just is helping out in the meetings, helping out with baseball situational-type stuff. He just uses his experience, bringing it to us and giving us everything that he’s got.”
Frazier is known for his team dinners. He usually organizes them around road trips to build camaraderie. Players enjoy getting together to reflect on things on and off the field.
The Royals missed his presence earlier in the season. It became apparent that the organization needed an influx of veterans and Frazier was among the first names mentioned. He rejoined the team alongside new additions Randal Grichuk, Mike Yastrzemski and Bailey Falter among others.
Yastrzemski has found a home atop the lineup. Grichuk brings a power element in the middle of the order and Falter is another left-handed option available in the club’s bullpen.
However, Frazier brings a special dynamic that meshes with several players. He is a versatile defender who can play both the infield and outfield. And he is a left-handed option who thrives on providing professional at-bats.
“It’s been huge since he’s come back over here,” Rave said. “You know, he’s definitely a guy that I pick his brain about on the offensive side. Just left-handed at-bats, how he sees each pitcher and kind of what to expect. Just a pro’s pro in every aspect. So definitely a guy that I feel like I’m learning something from every single day. He’s just been a great resource for me.”
Frazier has also got it done at the plate. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Frazier was hitting .309 (25-for-81) with two home runs, 13 RBIs and a .785 OPS.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro has kept Frazier in the starting lineup. He has thrived in the sixth spot while playing defensively at second base and in left field. His inclusion has lengthened the batting order and generated more run-scoring opportunities.
“He’s been around a long time and is a student of the game,” center fielder Kyle Isbel said. “He knows a lot about the game and is one of the smartest guys I’ve been around, really. Just a solid person in general.”
A veteran leader
The Royals are looking to make a postseason push down the stretch. Frazier, who was a key part of the 2024 club, knows the importance of playing winning baseball.
He isn’t afraid to call out mistakes while offering correctable solutions. There were times when Frazier alerted teammates to take the extra base or put pressure on opposing teams. It was advice that came with good intentions.
“It’s great, you know, with more veterans,” starter Seth Lugo said. “Especially with the team as young as we have, the more veterans, it’s a lot easier to hold each other accountable. You know, that goes a long way, especially in today’s game.”
The Royals have played better with the veteran additions in tow. The professional at-bats have strengthened the bench and given the overall roster a significant boost. It’s led to consistent play and more wins during a pivotal stretch.
The Royals entered Wednesday with seven wins during their 10-game homestand. They have made up ground in the American League Wild Card standings and currently sit 2 ½ games out of a postseason spot.
“I think the Royals do a really good job organizationally of finding players like that,” reliever Lucas Erceg said. “Adam is the perfect example of somebody who knows the vibes in the clubhouse. … You know, picking up guys like (Yastrzemski), Adam Frazier and Randal Grichuk, who have been around a while, those guys have played long enough to realize what a good team and good clubhouse looks like.”
Frazier is the prime example of that. He feels comfortable with the Royals and it’s showing in how he generated a net positive both on and off the field.
“I feel good and I felt good in Pittsburgh, too,” Frazier said. “So just trying to keep things rolling. … And then getting back and feeling like I never left. The comfort with these guys has helped.”