The SF Giants are expressing confidence in Luis Arráez’s defense at second base

SCOTTSDALE – Luis Arráez had a clear priority when deciding on his new employer.

Arráez had multi-year offers on the table this winter, but he wanted to go to a team that allowed him to play second base. The Giants, determined to add a second baseman throughout the season, gave Arráez that opportunity. Arráez’s $12 million deal is only valid for one year, but for him, the chance to play second is what the team decides.

“That was the difference,” Arráez said Tuesday morning at Scottsdale Stadium after the team officially announced the deal. “They gave me a chance, they trust me, they want me to go there to play my natural position, that’s why I chose here.”

For all Arráez’s credentials as a striker, the 28-year-old has been a poor defender throughout his career. As of 2019, Arráez’s -60 outings above average are the fewest of all defenders, and his -36 exits above average are second-fewest.

Arráez’s last season as a full-time second baseman was 2023, in which he qualified for -11 outs above average. He played second base sparingly in ’24 (42 games), then played there sparingly last season (14 games). The numbers paint a grim picture, but Arráez believes he can play a capable second base.

So, too, do the Giants.

“They can say what they want to say, but I know I can play second base,” said Arráez, who will wear No. 1. “I know I can go out there and get my base hits and try to move runners on, try to score runs to win the game.”

President of baseball operations Buster Posey cited several reasons he believes Arráez can play quality defense at second base, one being new infield coach Ron Washington.

Washington is widely regarded as one of the best infield coaches in the business. Eric Chavez, a six-time Glove Award winner, credited Washington with making him a better outfielder, so much so that he presented Washington with his 2004 Glove. Marcus Semien blossomed as a defender under Washington’s tutelage, calling him “the most influential baseball man in my life.”

“He’s already working hard and we haven’t even started camp yet,” Washington third baseman Matt Chapman said. “We’re already there doing tests every day and going through his whole process. He’s definitely ready to go.”

Along with Washington, Posey received strong recommendations from new bench coach Jayce Tingler, who worked with Arráez in Minnesota. Shortstop Willy Adames offered a glowing recommendation for Arráez as well.

“We’re all very optimistic that (Washington) got Luis in a good spot defensively,” Posey said. “And the bat – he’s the best hitter in all of baseball. If you look at the batting average last year, he won three batting titles. I know we don’t enjoy hitting titles as much as we used to, but to win three batting titles at 28 years old is amazing. I think he’ll fit right in on our list.

“Then, in terms of defense, there will be no lack of effort and work on his part and the coaching staff.”

Regardless of how Arráez fares defensively, most of Arráez’s value will come from his bat.

Arráez’s credentials as a hitter jump off the page. His .317 batting average is the highest among active players, a product of superior contact skills. He is a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a three-time All-Star and has won three straight hitting titles with three different teams. With the addition of Arráez and center fielder Harrison Bader, San Francisco boasts one of the best pitchers in the National League.

“I’m a big believer in being a thug,” Posey said. “I think offensively, it’s hard to be a hitter if you don’t put the ball in. Now, I think one of the reasons why I feel that way is that the hitters right now are balanced against some of the hitter profiles that we have. I’m not going to sit here and say I believe he’s building a range of contact hitters.

“I think I’m pulling a little bit from my knowledge of the game, too. The best teams I’ve been on, when you get to the playoffs and you’re facing the toughest offense, the teams that can put the ball in play and force the defense to make plays tend to be in a better position than the ones that are going to score 15-16 times a game.”

It includes that Arráez never gives up. Arráez has a career strikeout rate of 6.1 percent, and last season, he had a career low 3.1 percent. For Arráez, his philosophy as a hitter.

“I hate getting hit,” laughed Arráez. “Be confident, man. Be confident, go out there and compete. Try to put the ball in play. Like I say, hitting is easy. It’s not easy; it’s not possible. … That’s why we train every day. Be easy, and try to put the ball in play.”

Arráez’s style is a true throwback, but his performance has declined significantly over the past two seasons.

Despite leading the National League in hits in 2024 (200) and ’25 (181), Arráez was slightly better than the league average in metrics like OPS+ (103) and wRC+ (107). Arráez said he doesn’t believe he has to change his way of doing things, citing the controversy he received last year that affected “everything.”

“It’s not an excuse, but it affected me a lot,” said Arráez. “The good thing is that it’s a new year, I have another chance to get better, and I’m ready to go. The numbers will be there.”