The San Francisco Giants filled their long-standing need at second base by agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal with three-time batting champion Luis Arraez. The move gives the Giants one of baseball’s most unique hitters and completes an infield that already features Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman.
Arraez entered the offseason seeking a return to everyday second base duties, and San Francisco offered exactly that. In doing so, the Giants pivoted away from trade talks involving Brendan Donovan, Nico Hoerner, and CJ Abrams and instead chose the most contact-oriented hitter available on the market.
An Outlier in Today’s Game
At a time when strikeouts, launch angle, and slugging dominate offensive profiles, Arraez operates from a different blueprint. From 2022 through 2024, he won three straight batting titles while hitting .328, striking out just 106 times across those three seasons combined. In 2025 alone, 138 players struck out more than that in a single year.
Arraez led the majors in hits during that three-year span and posted a microscopic 5.6% strikeout rate. His skill lies in spraying line drives across the field, finding gaps, and keeping innings alive rather than driving the ball over the fence.
Production Slipped in San Diego
The 2025 season with the Padres marked the least productive year of Arraez’s career. He hit .292 with a .719 OPS, eight home runs, and an OPS+ of 99, dipping below league average for the first time. His hard-hit rate fell to 16.7%, the lowest among qualified hitters, highlighting the limitations in his power profile.
Even so, Arraez still ranked near the top of the National League in hits and recorded the lowest strikeout rate in baseball at 3.1%. The bat-to-ball ability remains elite, even if the impact of that contact continues to shrink.
Defensive Questions at Second Base
The defensive side presents the greater gamble. Arraez has logged -35 Outs Above Average since 2023, one of the worst marks in the majors. He played primarily first base for San Diego but now shifts back to second base full time for the Giants, a position he hasn’t handled regularly since 2023.
San Francisco appears prepared to mitigate that risk by mixing in Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss for defensive flexibility while allowing Arraez to focus on what he does best at the plate.
Balancing a Power-Heavy Infield
The Giants’ infield features significant power but also swing-and-miss tendencies. Chapman and Adames combined for 51 home runs last season, while Devers added 20 in just 90 games. Arraez provides contrast, lengthening the lineup with a hitter who rarely strikes out and consistently puts the ball in play.
Giants second basemen ranked 26th in OPS in 2025, making Arraez a clear offensive upgrade despite the defensive concerns.
By prioritizing contact over power and fit over flash, San Francisco made a calculated bet that Arraez’s unique skill set can stabilize the lineup and give the Giants a different offensive look in 2026.