The San Francisco Giants have made a notable addition to their roster by signing infielder Luis Arraez to a one-year contract worth $12 million. This deal brings a player with a unique skill set and a polarizing reputation to the team, as discussions about Arraez’s value in the current baseball landscape continue to stir debate among fans and analysts alike.
Arraez, who debuted in 2019, has garnered attention for his exceptional ability to make contact, boasting a career contact rate of 93.8 percent. This statistic positions him ahead of all qualified hitters in Major League Baseball, reflecting his prowess over the past four seasons, with a peak rate of 95.9 percent achieved in 2024. His remarkable hitting skills are complemented by a career batting average of .317, the highest among active players, and a notable ability to perform in clutch situations, evidenced by his .349 average with runners in scoring position.
Despite his strengths, Arraez’s profile is not without its limitations. While he excels at making contact, his walk rate stands at a modest 6.5 percent, and his power is limited, reflected in a career slugging percentage of .413. His speed on the base paths is also below average, with a sprint speed ranking in the 25th percentile. These factors contribute to questions regarding his overall offensive production, which has trended closer to average in recent seasons.
Compounding these concerns, Arraez’s underlying metrics reveal potential issues. Last season, he recorded career lows in average exit velocity at 86.1 mph, expected batting average at .287, and expected slugging percentage at .363. This decline raises questions about his ability to maintain his previous levels of performance.
Defensively, Arraez’s addition presents a challenge for the Giants. He is expected to replace Casey Schmitt as the starting second baseman, a position he has not played full-time since 2023. His defensive metrics have not been favorable, with a record of -60 outs above average since 2019, making him one of the least effective defenders in the league. At second base, he has been worth -35 outs above average, indicating that he may require late-game defensive substitutions to bolster the infield.
As the Giants look to improve their lineup, Arraez’s presence may also offer stylistic diversity alongside Jung Hoo Lee, another player known for his bat-to-ball skills. The Giants ended the previous season ranked 17th in on-base percentage and 19th in batting average with runners in scoring position, making Arraez’s hitting ability particularly valuable.
The Giants are also aware of potential defensive shortcomings. With Rafael Devers likely positioned at first base, the right side of the infield may present challenges, especially considering the team’s pitching staff generates a significant number of ground balls. Ron Washington, the new infield coach, faces the task of optimizing the defensive setup to mitigate these issues.
In summary, Luis Arraez brings a distinctive set of skills to the San Francisco Giants, characterized by his exceptional contact ability and batting average. While questions remain regarding his overall production and defensive capabilities, the Giants view him as a potential difference-maker in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
