SF Giants reportedly add three-time batting champion on a one-year deal

The SF Giants have rounded out the infield. According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, they have reportedly signed three-time batting champion Luis Arráez on a one-year pact.

SF Giants reportedly add three-time batting champion on a one-year deal

Robert Murray of FanSided reports that Arráez's deal is worth $12 million. When the deal is finalized, that will push the Giants' luxury tax payroll to $229 million, or about $15 million below the threshold. Teams like to have breathing room below the luxury tax to make in-season additions, if they find themselves in a playoff spot.

This would also mean that the Giants are likely done making moves this offseason. In recent days, they have remained active in free agency for bullpen arms, but the additions they make to that unit will be lower-cost moves.

Once the deal is finalized, the Giants will need to make a corresponding roster move, as the 40-man roster is full.

The addition of Arráez rounds out an infield that includes Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman. Arráez is slated to see the bulk of his time at second base.

The last time the 28-year-old infielder saw full-time reps at second base was in 2023. In that season, he recorded four Defensive Runs Saved, -11 Outs Above Average, and -8 Fielding Run Value. The Giants hope that his defense can rebound after working primarily as a first baseman and DH over the past couple of years.

Arráez has an elite hit tool and is one of the toughest hitters to strike out. Adding more contact to the lineup has been a desire for the Giants' front office, and this addition checks that box off.

The left-handed bat is coming off somewhat of a down season, as he slashed .292/.327/.393 (104 wRC+) with eight home runs, 61 RBI, and 66 runs in 675 plate appearances for the San Diego Padres. This includes a 5.0 percent walk rate, 3.1 percent strikeout rate, and .100 ISO. Overall, he has posted a .317 batting average across seven seasons.

Arráez's batting average should boost a lineup that struggled to a .235 batting average last season. That was the sixth-worst mark in baseball.

On paper, the Giants have some decent length to the lineup. While they are light on high-impact bats outside of Rafael Devers and Matt Chapman, they should have plenty of quality hitters and tough outs.