The San Francisco Giants have made a significant addition to their roster by signing infielder Luis Arraez to a one-year contract worth $12 million. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Arraez has drawn both admiration and skepticism from baseball analysts. His contract marks a pivotal moment for the Giants as they look to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Arraez, who debuted in 2019, has established himself as a unique player in the sport. He leads all qualified hitters with an impressive contact rate of 93.8 percent, a statistic he has maintained over the past four seasons. His ability to make contact places him in a rare category, with some comparisons made to legendary hitter Tony Gwynn. In fact, Arraez recorded a peak contact rate of 95.9 percent last year while playing for the San Diego Padres.
The 28-year-old’s prowess at the plate is reflected in his career batting average of .317, the highest among active players. Notably, only Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Barry Bonds have higher averages this millennium. Arraez’s remarkable ability to deliver timely hits is evident in his career average of .349 with runners in scoring position, making him an asset for a Giants team that struggled in that area last season.
Despite his strengths, Arraez’s skill set is not without its flaws. While he rarely strikes out, with a career low of 3.1 percent in 2025, he also does not walk frequently, boasting a career walk rate of only 6.5 percent. Additionally, his power numbers are modest, with a career slugging percentage of .413. This lack of power, combined with his 25th percentile sprint speed, raises questions about his overall value on the bases.
Over the past two seasons, Arraez’s offensive production has shown signs of decline, with an OPS+ of 99 in 2025, marking his first season as a below-average hitter. His underlying metrics reflect this trend, as he posted career lows in average exit velocity, expected batting average, and hard-hit rate last season.
The Giants also face challenges regarding Arraez’s defensive capabilities. He will likely replace Casey Schmitt as the starting second baseman. Since 2019, Arraez has recorded the lowest number of outs above average in the league, at -60. His defensive struggles are particularly concerning given San Francisco’s pitching staff, which is known for generating ground balls. With Rafael Devers expected to play first base, the right side of the infield may pose significant defensive challenges for the team.
In summary, Luis Arraez is a complex addition to the Giants’ lineup. While he brings an extraordinary ability to make contact and deliver hits in clutch situations, his lack of walks, modest power, and defensive weaknesses raise questions about his overall impact. As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, the organization will look to maximize Arraez’s strengths while addressing the challenges that accompany his unique skill set.
