By Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo
As talented as Luis Arraez is, he never seems all that coveted.
Last winter, in his first crack at free agency, Arraez lingered on the open market until late January before signing a one-year, $12 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Now, as Monday’s trade deadline nears, Arraez is one of the players most likely to be dealt, but seemingly in limited demand.
Arraez, 29, is a three-time batting champion in the middle of both an offensive and defensive resurgence. His preference is to remain at second base, where he has re-established himself this season. But outside of the Tampa Bay Rays, few clubs seek help at that position.
Arraez’s previous team, San Diego, has a greater need for pitching. The Texas Rangers, originally thought to be an Arraez suitor, also are prioritizing other areas. The Boston Red Sox would prefer to add a shortstop. The Houston Astros, who entered today ranked 25th in OPS at second, are not going to displace Jose Altuve.
Two clubs that could stand to upgrade at first base, the Cleveland Guardians and Arizona Diamondbacks, might be disinclined to take on the $3.5 million remaining on Arraez’s contract. And Arraez does not want to play first as he prepares to re-enter the free-agent market, according to a person briefed on his thinking.
Some team will find a place for Arraez, who entered today batting .328 with an .811 OPS, both his highest since 2023. But outside of the Rays, it’s difficult to imagine which club that might be.