SF Giants should target division rival first baseman in free agency

The SF Giants might not think they need a new first baseman in 2025. With Rafael Devers filling a hybrid DH/1B role, and Bryce Eldridge ready to hopefully take over as the team's starting first baseman, it might not be a necessary addition for the Giants. However, if they do want to add a first baseman, they might not need to look further than a division rival entering free agency.

SF Giants should target division rival first baseman in free agency

That man is Luis Arráez, who is set to depart from San Diego. Arráez might not fit well positionally onto the Giants' roster, but he would bring a high batting average and elite bat-to-ball skills to the table.

Arráez is known for his incredible ability to make contact with the baseball. His .317 career batting average is the best among active players, and he also has a career OBP of .363. One of the keys to San Francisco's 2026 season will be to have players who can get on base, so that when their big hitters, Devers and Willy Adames, are at the plate, they'll be able to drive in runs.

Arráez can do that with the best of them. He's also likely going to be cheaper than previously thought. The left-handed bat struggled down the stretch, finishing the season with just 1.3 bWAR. He'd be a buy-low candidate this off-season, with a high possibility of reward if he can bounce back.

While the positional fit might not make much sense at first, it's important to remember Arráez was once a second baseman in Miami and Minnesota. He could be a utility infielder, playing some second-base, third-base, first-base, and DH. When injuries inevitably happen, having Arráez would alleviate a lot of the pressure. And if Eldridge struggles in his first taste of the big leagues next year, it would be nice to know Arráez is a fallback option at first base.

If Arráez plays well, he would also make a great trade-deadline option for other teams. San Francisco could sign him to play a mix of infield positions, then flip him at the deadline if he performs early in the season to make room for the Giants' younger core.

It might be a long shot, but with his elite contact bat, Arráez would fill a need in the lineup and would be a valuable addition this offseason in San Francisco.