Luis Arráez, one of the game’s elite contact hitters and a three-time batting champion, is finally off the board. After lingering on the free-agent market longer than expected, Arráez has agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with the San Francisco Giants - a move that could have ripple effects beyond the Bay Area.
While several teams reportedly showed interest - some even offering multi-year deals - Arráez ultimately chose San Francisco. A key factor?
His desire to play more than just designated hitter. Despite his defensive limitations at second base, the Giants are expected to give him the everyday job at the keystone in 2026.
That decision could open the door for a trade involving Casey Schmitt, a versatile infielder and fan favorite in San Francisco’s clubhouse. With Arráez penciled in at second, Schmitt’s role becomes more fluid - and potentially expendable. And that’s where the Cincinnati Reds could come into play.
Why Schmitt Could Fit in Cincinnati
The Reds are quietly in need of depth behind their dynamic middle infield duo of Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. Right now, their best internal option is Tyler Callihan, who’s coming off season-ending surgery and has logged just four games at the Major League level. Prospects Edwin Arroyo and Leo Balcazar are promising, but neither has played above Double-A yet - and banking on them to step up in 2026 would be a gamble.
Schmitt, on the other hand, brings proven defensive versatility and big-league experience. His best defensive position is arguably third base, but he’s logged significant innings at second and short as well. He’s the kind of player who can back up all four infield spots without skipping a beat - and that kind of flexibility is gold over a 162-game grind.
What the Giants Might Want in Return
According to reporting out of San Francisco, the Giants would likely be looking to bolster their pitching staff in any potential Schmitt deal - either with a young starter or a bullpen arm. That aligns well with what Cincinnati has to offer. The Reds are rich in young arms, both in the rotation and the bullpen, and they could afford to move one or two in the right deal.
Schmitt is still pre-arbitration eligible and has a minor-league option remaining - two details that would appeal to a cost-conscious front office like Cincinnati’s. That kind of roster flexibility gives the Reds options if they want to stash him in Triple-A or rotate him in and out of the lineup depending on matchups and injuries.
What’s Next for the Reds?
Cincinnati recently added another lefty in Brock Burke to the bullpen, but they also lost Gavin Lux - a utility infielder who could play multiple positions. With Lux’s departure, there’s a clear hole on the roster for a versatile infielder who can handle a variety of roles. Free agency doesn’t offer many players with Schmitt’s skill set, which makes the trade route a logical path.
If the Reds believe they’re ready to compete in 2026 - and their young core suggests they should be - then adding a player like Schmitt could be a smart, forward-thinking move. He won’t steal headlines, but he’s the kind of glue guy who helps teams win games in August and September.
Arráez’s signing may have solved one problem for the Giants, but it might end up solving one for the Reds, too. Keep an eye on this one.