SF Giants finalize contract with three-time batting champ, transfer Randy Rodríguez to 60-day IL

On Tuesday, the SF Giants finalized a one-year deal with three-time batting champion Luis Arráez. In a corresponding roster move, Randy Rodríguez was transferred to the 60-day injured list, per the team's transaction log.

SF Giants finalize contract with three-time batting champ, transfer Randy Rodríguez to 60-day IL

The Giants waited until spring training officially opened up to finalize the Arráez signing. With spring training now underway, teams can transfer players to the 60-day injured list. That is not a lever teams can use during the offseason.

This maneuver opens up a spot on the 40-man roster. By transferring Rodríguez to the 60-day injured list, it created a roster vacancy. The 40-man roster remains full.

The Giants will use that flexibility again on Jason Foley. He joined the club in the offseason, but he continues to recover after undergoing shoulder surgery last season. The latest update from the Giants is that he is beginning his bullpen progression. Foley is expected to be ready around the All-Star break.

The Giants knew that Rodríguez would miss the 2026 season. He underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of last season.

That was an unfortunate turn of events for the hard-throwing reliever. He posted a 1.78 ERA with 67 strikeouts and 11 walks in 50.2 frames while earning an NL All-Star nod. The Giants have not done a lot to upgrade a bullpen that was a liability by the end of last season. Rodríguez would have likely slotted into the closer role, if not for the injury.

On the other hand, Arráez has officially joined the Giants. He had agreed to terms on a one-year deal at the end of January. Arráez had multi-year offers on the table, but chose to sign with San Francisco because of the opportunity to return to second base.

The veteran infielder has graded out as one of the worst defenders in baseball since he made his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. Over the past two seasons, Arráez has seen more time at first base and DH. That is also the role that interested suitors wanted to use him in, but the Giants offered him a chance to return to familiar territory.

There is no denying that Arráez has one of the best hit tools in baseball. He has recorded a .317 batting average during this seven-year career. Arráez also plays with a lot of energy, and has been selected as his team's Heart and Hustle Award winner in three of the past four seasons.