Luis Arráez Joins Giants, Shaking Up Infield Plans and Elevating Expectations
SCOTTSDALE - The Giants’ infield picture got a whole lot clearer-and more competitive-when Luis Arráez officially put pen to paper on his one-year deal. While Arráez was wrapping up media duties, Casey Schmitt was out on the back fields taking grounders at second base, a position he entered the offseason expecting to own. But the Giants had other plans, and they weren’t shy about it.
Despite Schmitt’s progress and a trimmed-down frame aimed at boosting his agility, the front office-led by Buster Posey-spent the winter chasing upgrades at second base. Arráez wasn’t the first name on their list. Brendan Donovan was an early target, and there were rumblings around Nico Hoerner and CJ Abrams before the Giants finally landed the reigning batting champ.
Posey made it clear: this move wasn’t about giving up on Schmitt or Christian Koss. It was about raising the bar.
“Casey did make some big strides last year. Koss, the same thing,” Posey said.
“Adding a guy like Arráez, I think, is an opportunity for guys like Casey and Koss to learn from as they continue their development. And it just gives us another layer of depth in our infield.”
Last season, Schmitt logged 193 plate appearances at second base, while Koss saw 137. Tyler Fitzgerald actually led the team in starts at the position, riding the momentum of a breakout 2024-though his bat cooled off considerably as the year went on. Posey said Fitzgerald is swinging it better in recent workouts and feeling more like himself heading into camp.
“We’ll get some looks at him on the infield, potentially in the outfield as well,” Posey added. “That versatility could give us another layer of depth.”
And that’s the theme here: versatility. With Bryce Eldridge vying for a first base/DH role alongside Rafael Devers, and Jerar Encarnación pushing for an outfield spot, roster flexibility becomes a premium. At least one of the backup infielders may need to double as an outfielder, and all three-Schmitt, Koss, and Fitzgerald-are being prepped accordingly.
Fitzgerald already has big league experience in the outfield, and Koss logged reps there in Winter Ball last year. Schmitt, meanwhile, picked up first base last season to increase his value against left-handed pitching. He’s now comfortable at all four infield spots, which could be his ticket to regular at-bats.
He may not have expected a utility role when the offseason began, but the Giants are counting on his ability to adapt-and contribute.
“Depending on the matchup, if we feel like it’s a good spot for him, we could insert him in different places,” Posey said. “The DH could be open in some games. Maybe someone else is DH’ing and he’s playing in the field.”
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
The Giants made a few early roster moves to accommodate Arráez, placing right-hander Randy Rodríguez on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. That opened up a roster spot, but more flexibility could come if needed-offseason addition Jason Foley is also a candidate for the 60-day IL, with a return expected around midseason.
Lefty reliever Sam Hentges is working his way back from both right knee and left shoulder procedures. He’s not all the way back yet, but he did throw a bullpen session Tuesday-a positive sign for a bullpen that could use his presence later in the season.
Free Agency Winds Down
The Giants have been active in the one-year deal market this week, but don’t expect many more moves. Posey emphasized that the front office is in “listening” mode now, content with the current roster unless the right opportunity presents itself.
One big name did come off the board-Justin Verlander returned to Detroit. Posey said he spoke with Verlander early in the offseason, but there were no recent discussions about a reunion.
Logan Webb, the Giants’ ace, reached out to Verlander after the deal became official.
“I’m excited for him,” Webb said. “I think that’s something he always wanted to do-go back there.
And knowing the competitor he is, I don’t think this means he’s done after this year. He wanted to go back and pitch there at least one more time.”
Webb added what many baseball fans were already thinking: “He is Billy Chapel. It’ll be great to see, just as a fan of baseball.”
Legends Back in Camp
Spring camp in Scottsdale is starting to feel like a Giants reunion. Former pitching coach Dave Righetti was on hand Tuesday, and he’ll be joined by Yusmeiro Petit later in the week. That’s just the beginning.
Joe Panik, Gregor Blanco, Chili Davis, Jeff Kent, Jeremy Affeldt, Brandon Belt, Marco Scutaro, Rich Aurilia, Sergio Romo, Jeffrey Leonard, Pablo Sandoval, Hunter Pence, and Will Clark are all expected to be in camp at some point. The Giants are also hoping Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong can make it out to work with the pitching staff.
It’s part of a broader push under Posey and new manager Tony Vitello to connect the current roster with the franchise’s storied past. And for a team trying to build something sustainable, that kind of institutional knowledge can go a long way.
So while Arráez’s arrival may have shifted the infield depth chart, it’s also raised the ceiling-and the standard-for a group of young players still carving out their roles. The message is clear: competition is on, and the Giants are building something deeper, faster, and more versatile.