The San Francisco Giants have officially signed infielder Luis Arraez to a one-year deal valued at $12 million. This signing has sparked considerable debate among baseball analysts and fans alike, as Arraez’s unique skill set raises questions about his overall effectiveness on the field.
Arraez, 28, is often heralded as one of the best pure hitters in baseball, drawing comparisons to legendary player Tony Gwynn. His exceptional contact rate of 93.8 percent, the highest among qualified hitters since his debut in 2019, underlines his ability to make contact consistently. In fact, he has led Major League Baseball in this category for the last four seasons, peaking at 95.9 percent in 2024 while playing with the San Diego Padres.
His impressive batting average of .317 places him at the top among active players. Only Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Barry Bonds have posted higher averages this millennium. Arraez’s ability to produce hits has made him a valuable asset, particularly during critical moments. With a career batting average of .349 and an OPS of .837 with runners in scoring position, he stands to address the Giants’ struggles in this aspect, as the team finished 17th in on-base percentage and 19th in batting average with runners in scoring position last season.
While Arraez’s strengths are clear, his weaknesses cannot be overlooked. His career 6.1 percent strikeout rate is the lowest among qualified hitters. In 2025, he struck out only 21 times across 675 plate appearances, achieving a career-low strikeout percentage of 3.1 percent. Nevertheless, his walk rate is also modest at 6.5 percent, raising concerns about his ability to draw walks and get on base via this method.
Despite his prowess as a contact hitter, Arraez lacks significant power, with a career slugging percentage of only .413. His speed on the bases is also limited, as he ranks in the 25th percentile for sprint speed. Over the past two seasons, his offensive production has been more average than stellar, with an OPS+ of 99 in 2025, marking his first season as a below-average hitter by this metric.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
Another area of concern for the Giants lies in Arraez’s defensive capabilities. He is expected to take over second base from Casey Schmitt, but his defensive statistics tell a troubling story. Since 2019, no player has recorded fewer outs above average than Arraez, who has a total of -60 in this category. Specifically, at second base—where he hasn’t played full-time since 2023—he has an alarming -35 outs above average.
This defensive deficiency could pose challenges for the Giants, especially as they have enhanced their outfield defense by signing Harrison Bader. The combination of Arraez and Rafael Devers at first base may create one of the least effective right sides of the infield in baseball. Given that the Giants’ pitching staff tends to generate a high number of ground balls, the need for solid defensive play is paramount.
As the new infield coach Ron Washington steps in, he faces the task of improving the team’s overall infield defense while maximizing the potential of its hitters. The Giants hope that Arraez can be a game-changer offensively despite the inherent risks associated with his defensive struggles.
In conclusion, Luis Arraez represents a fascinating addition to the San Francisco Giants. His exceptional contact skills and batting averages are counterbalanced by significant concerns regarding his power and defensive play. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Arraez’s performance will be closely scrutinized, as he embodies both the promise and the challenges of modern baseball.
