San Francisco Signs Minnesota Twins Hit King

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
Luis Arraez
Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Three years ago the Minnesota Twins made the difficult decision to trade a fan favorite. Looking to land a big time pitching addition, it was Luis Arraez that was sent to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Pablo Lopez.

Fans didn’t like losing Arraez, and it took some time for Lopez to establish himself in the good graces of Twins Territory. Arraez went to the Marlins, and did what he has always done… hit.

Now with three batting titles under his belt, and a trip to San Diego in his rearview mirror, he’ll stay in California to play for the Giants.

Former MN Twins infielder Luis Arraez signs with Giants

After just one full season in Miami, the Marlins shipped Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres. He finished 2024 with a .314 batting average, and won his third-straight batting title. He experienced a bit of a dip last year, and experienced the open market for the first time. San Francisco waited out their options, and has now landed themselves an elite contact hitter at second base.

The San Francisco Giants landed Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox last season. He then moved across the diamond to play first base. Arraez played 117 games at first base himself for the Padres last season, but he wanted to get back to his original position.

Confirmed with a Giants source, the plan is to play Arraez as the every day second baseman. He fills out an infield that now goes Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Arraez, and Devers from left to right.

After playing in more than 1,100 innings at second base for Miami during 2023, he was all, but permanently moved off the position. That year he posted 4 DRS (defensive runs saved), but also carried -11 OAA (outs above average). As a primary first baseman last year (993 2/3 innings) he posted 3 DRS and -6 OAA, so a return to second actually makes sense.

Ultimately, Arraez doesn’t have good defensive movements anywhere, and his arm strength is lackluster. However, the Giants will hope that he can hold down the least-demanding infield spot, and that his knees will comply with another full season at second as well.

Bat first still former Minnesota Twins Luis Arraez’ calling card

Last season the former Minnesota Twins infielder batted just .292, the lowest of his seven-year career. That number’s not great for a guy with a .317 career average, and someone that batted .354 just two seasons ago.

That said, Arraez still led the league in hits (181) and did so for the second time in his career. He’s never going to be a power hitter, but the propensity to lace line drives and singles into the outfield grass remains strong. His Baseball Savant page looks as it always has. That is, high batting average and setting the bar when it comes to contact.

Courtesy: Baseball Savant

Playing at Oracle Park with Triples Alley in right field, Arraez has a swing and spray chart that fits near perfectly in his new home stadium. The Giants are excited about the obvious offensive production that he will provide.

Steamer projects Arraez to get back to his old ways of leading the MLB, with them expecting a .305 batting average. If he wins another batting title, he would be the first player in history to achieve that mark four times on four different teams. He’s already the only one to ever do it three times on three different teams.

The Minnesota Twins will play Luis Arraez and the Giants for their final three road games of the season this year. The series is scheduled at Oracle Park from September 21-23.

Mentioned in this article:

More About:

0What do you think?Post a comment.

Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google.Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google.