Luis Arraez Receives Offers, Aims for Second Base Position

As Spring Training approaches, Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion, finds himself weighing multiple offers in the free agency market. The 28-year-old has recently concluded his final arbitration year with the San Diego Padres, making him a significant figure in discussions around second base players.

Luis Arraez’s Focus on Second Base Position

Arraez has played every infield position since his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019. However, he primarily aims to return to the second base role. He has received offers from various teams, with both one-year and multi-year contracts on the table, despite showing varying defensive metrics over his career.

Defensive Overview

Arraez’s performance at second base presents a mixed history. He has accumulated:

• -6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
• -35 Outs Above Average (OAA) over 2,793 defensive innings

In 2023, his last full season at second base with the Marlins, he recorded.

• 4 DRS
• -11 OAA in 1,124 innings

His defensive struggles led the Padres to transition him to first base after acquiring him in May 2024. Over two seasons, Arraez had:

• 0 DRS, indicating average defensive value
• -11 OAA, ranking him among the lower tiers for first basemen

Offensive Statistics and Market Value

While teams express concerns about his defensive capabilities, Arraez’s offensive performance has been decently solid. Since 2024, he has posted a wRC+ of 107 and a .089 isolated power (ISO), which is below average for a designated hitter position. In comparison, designated hitters had a wRC+ of 110 and an ISO of .188 in 2025.

With offensive production for first basemen averaging better than second basemen, Arraez’s value varies significantly based on his defensive position. His .292/.327/.392 slash line in 2025 amounted to a 104 wRC+, raising questions about his suitability for a full-time designated hitter role.

Future Outlook

As he approaches his 29th birthday in April, Arraez hopes to improve his market position. He has reportedly been focusing on enhancing his second base defense in the offseason. If he can successfully showcase an improved performance in 2026, he may be able to secure a more lucrative multi-year contract in future negotiations.

Ultimately, whether Arraez returns to second base with improved defensive metrics or continues at first base as a utility player will shape the next chapter of his career.