Yankees and Red Sox among teams that are reportedly showing interest in SF Giants infielder Luis Arráez

It is a near certainty that the SF Giants will trade Luis Arráez at the trade deadline, but the market has not been apparent until now. According to Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly showing interest in the veteran infielder.

The Rays seem likely a particularly strong fit. They lead the AL East with a 64-45 record, and have a need at second base. The addition of Arráez would fit the contact-heavy style they have adopted this year.

Of course, the Yankees and Red Sox are also in the playoff picture. New York is in second place in the division with a 62-48 record, followed by Boston with a 58-51 record. All three teams will look to bolster their roster before Monday's trade deadline.

Pitching is always a need around this time of year, so the Giants will look to move those contracts before Monday as well. This includes Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle, and even JT Brubaker. Teams also need help on offense, and that is where Arráez comes into play.

SF Giants infielder is in demand at the trade deadline after betting on himself

The Giants signed the 29-year-old infielder to a one-year, $12 million pact. He had multi-year offers to play elsewhere, but chose San Francisco because of his desire to prove that he can stick at second base.

Arráez's bet on himself paid off. He not only has brought his usual elite contact skills to the table, but he has shown considerable improvement at second base. Overall, he is hitting .328/.364/.446 (122 wRC+) with four home runs, 43 RBI, and 52 runs in 459 plate appearances. This includes a 5.4 percent walk rate, 4.6 percent strikeout rate, and .118 ISO.

Not surprisingly, Arráez's strikeout rate is the lowest by far among qualified hitters this season. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs is second in that category with an 8.4 percent strikeout rate.

Arráez's defense has stood out as well. He ranks near the top among second baseman in both Outs Above Average (11) aqnd Fielding Run Value (9).

Given that he is a rental, the trade return will be modest at best. That said, teams can and do find talent at the trade deadline.

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