The San Francisco Giants have made a notable move to solidify their infield, reportedly signing three-time batting champion Luis Arráez to a one-year, $12 million deal. The agreement, once finalized, will bring the Giants’ luxury tax payroll to around $229 million - giving them roughly $15 million in breathing room below the tax threshold. That’s a strategic cushion, especially if the team finds itself in contention and looking to add reinforcements midseason.
This move likely signals the end of San Francisco’s major offseason activity. While they’ve recently been exploring bullpen depth, any remaining additions are expected to be more budget-friendly. With the 40-man roster currently full, the Giants will need to make a corresponding move to officially add Arráez.
So, what does Arráez bring to the table? Simply put: elite contact.
The 28-year-old is one of the toughest hitters in the game to strike out, and his addition gives the Giants a much-needed boost in that department. Last season, San Francisco’s lineup hit just .235 - sixth-worst in the majors - and lacked consistent contact threats.
Arráez helps fix that.
He’s coming off a bit of a down year by his standards, slashing .292/.327/.393 with eight home runs, 61 RBIs, and 66 runs scored over 675 plate appearances with the Padres. Even in a “down” year, he posted a 104 wRC+, showing he still contributed above league average offensively. His 3.1% strikeout rate is almost unheard of in today’s game, and his .100 ISO underscores that while he’s not a power bat, he’s a pure hitter through and through.
Across seven big-league seasons, Arráez has maintained a .317 career batting average - a testament to just how consistent and disciplined he is at the plate. He’s not going to mash 30 home runs, but he’s going to give you professional at-bats, put the ball in play, and make pitchers work. That kind of offensive profile gives the Giants more lineup versatility and length, even if they’re still light on true middle-of-the-order power outside of Rafael Devers and Matt Chapman.
Defensively, Arráez is expected to take over second base duties - a position he hasn’t played full-time since 2023. That year, his defensive metrics were a mixed bag: 4 Defensive Runs Saved, but -11 Outs Above Average and a -8 Fielding Run Value.
It’s clear the glove isn’t his calling card, and after spending most of the past two years at first base and DH, the Giants are hoping he can rebound defensively. If he can be even average at second, the offensive upgrade will more than justify the move.
With Arráez joining Devers, Adames, and Chapman, the Giants’ infield is now set - and it’s a group that blends power, contact, and veteran experience. While San Francisco may not have the flashiest lineup in the league, they’ve built a roster that can grind out at-bats and wear down pitching staffs. In a division that features some heavy hitters, that kind of offensive identity could be a difference-maker.
The Giants have made it clear: they’re not chasing headlines - they’re building a team that can compete over 162 games. And with Luis Arráez now in the fold, they’ve added one of the game’s most reliable bats to help lead that charge.