The Cincinnati Reds finally broke through and made the playoffs for the first time in five years - a promising step forward for a franchise that’s been rebuilding with purpose. But their postseason run was short-lived, as they were promptly swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. And while the early exit stings, it also served up a clear message: if the Reds want to be more than just a one-and-done playoff team, they’ve got to find more consistency at the plate.
That’s where San Diego Padres All-Star Luis Arraez enters the conversation.
Arraez, a two-time batting champion known for his elite contact skills, could be exactly the kind of offensive stabilizer Cincinnati needs. He’s not a power bat, but he’s a pure hitter - the kind who can string together multi-hit games like clockwork and keep innings alive with his ability to put the ball in play. In a lineup that’s shown flashes but lacks consistency, his presence could be a game-changer.
This past season, Arraez slashed .292/.327/.392 across 154 games. He racked up 30 doubles, 8 home runs, and 61 RBI - solid numbers, even if they don’t quite match the heights of his .354 batting average season or his multiple 200-hit campaigns.
But the beauty of Arraez’s game isn’t in the long ball. It’s in his ability to grind out at-bats, make contact, and force defenses to work.
That’s the kind of offensive profile that plays in October - especially when the home runs dry up and teams need someone who can manufacture runs.
Now, defensively, Arraez isn’t going to win any Gold Gloves. He’s bounced around the infield - second base, first, even some time at third - but glove work has never been his calling card.
That said, the Reds have options. They could get creative with the lineup, maybe shift Spencer Steer to the outfield or rotate Ke’Bryan Hayes depending on the matchup.
There’s also the possibility of slotting Arraez in at second base and moving Matt McLain around. Flexibility is key, and the Reds have enough young talent and positional versatility to make it work.
And let’s be clear: Arraez isn’t going to command a king’s ransom in a trade. For a team like Cincinnati - one that’s loaded with young arms and looking to build a sustainable contender - this is the kind of move that makes sense.
It’s not about mortgaging the future. It’s about adding a proven, high-contact bat to a lineup that needs more of them if it wants to hang with the big boys in October.
The Reds have taken the first step. They’ve built a foundation and made the playoffs.
But if they want to stay there - and start winning once they get in - they’ll need more than just potential. They’ll need players like Luis Arraez who bring a professional approach to every at-bat and raise the floor of the offense.
If Cincinnati is serious about taking the next step, this is exactly the kind of move that could help get them there.