White Sox reportedly pursuing three-time batting champion from Padres in free agency

Billy Heyen

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White Sox linked to signing 3-time batting champion in free agency from Padres image

TL;DR

  • The Chicago White Sox may sign batting champion Luis Arraez in 2025.
  • Arraez excels at hitting singles, with 805 since 2019.
  • The White Sox could trade Arraez for prospects if rebuilding falters.
  • Arraez enhances entertainment value for White Sox fans.

In a different era, it wouldn't make sense that the 60-win Chicago White Sox could sign a three-time batting champion to a relatively affordable contract in free agency.

But this is 2025, and that's possible now.

The player: Luis Arraez.

The Athletic's Andy McCullough has linked the White Sox to Arraez in a new article suggesting one free agent signing for every team.

Arraez is a free agent from the Padres but not expected to return there.

"I couldn’t find a perfect fit for Arraez, because it’s hard to find a fit for such a player," McCullough writes. "Everyone knows the things he doesn’t do particularly well — run the bases, play the field, hit for power — and everyone knows the thing he does as well as anyone in baseball: hit singles. Since he debuted in 2019, Arraez has collected 805 singles, 71 more than the next most prolific singles hitter, Trea Turner. As the White Sox continue their rebuilding effort, it wouldn’t hurt to have a guy like Arraez, especially if his bat catches fire and he can be dealt for prospects in July."

That last point is a key one. Teams like the White Sox don't mind signing veteran players in part because they can just be traded later if the season isn't going well.

Arraez offers an enjoyable viewing experience in today's baseball landscape. His approach to making contact is unique. He evokes a sense of nostalgia for past baseball eras.

While that might not translate into a significant increase in victories for Chicago, a player such as Arraez could greatly enhance the entertainment value for White Sox supporters eager for their team's resurgence.

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Editorial Team