In a move that signals a pivot towards much needed contact and consistent on-base ability, the San Francisco Giants have reportedly reached an agreement with three-time batting champion Luis Arraez on a one-year, $12 million contract.
The deal, which first surfaced on January 31, 2026, brings the majors' most prolific contact hitter - a three-time batting champion and 3-time All Star to Oracle Park to serve as the team's everyday second baseman. This is a massive move for San Francisco, who slightly upgraded their outfielder earlier with the Harrison Bader signing. However, Bader has a somewhat high strikeout rate, and the Giants have struggled immensely over the past few seasons in getting hits with runners in scoring positions and avoiding untimely strikeouts.
Arraez will immediately improve that aspect of the Giants game:
Elite Contact: Arraez led the majors in 2025 with a staggering 3.1% strikeout rate.
Average Leader: He holds the highest career batting average among active players at .317.
Lineup Balance: He joins a power-heavy infield featuring stars like Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Rafael Devers, providing a steady bat to bridge the gap between their home run threats.
The Infield: Arraez is expected to play second base regularly, pushing Casey Schmitt into a super-utility role or making him a potential trade chip for pitching help.
The Outfield: With the recent addition of Harrison Bader, incumbent star Jung Hoo Lee is expected to slide over to right field.
Top Prospects: The one-year nature of the deal provides "insurance" for top prospect Bryce Eldridge, allowing him more development time in Triple-A Sacramento without the pressure of being the primary DH or First Baseman immediately.