Labeled as arguably the best contact-hitting bat in all of baseball, first baseman Luis Arraez is on the open market for any team willing to sign him to a new deal.
Arraez, 28, played for the San Diego Padres for the past year and a half after the Miami Marlins traded him in the middle of the 2024 season. The three-time All-Star has drawn comparisons to MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who was known for his ability to hit for average and for being a difficult player to strike out.
Who wouldn't want a player like Arraez? Rumors are already circulating in the MLB about which team he could with for the 2026 season and beyond.
Padres remain interested in resigning Luis Arraez
FanSided's Robert Murray weighed in on the situation, saying multiple teams are interested in the three-time batting title winner, including the Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres, and more.
"If the Rangers do pursue Arraez, they will have plenty of competition," Murray wrote. "The Padres remain interested in Arraez and intend to speak with his agent Dan Lozano, AJ Preller said at the GM Meetings. Other teams that could make sense for Arraez include the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.
Most notably, Murray mentioned that the Padres "need offense and value Arraez's bat and his leadership."
In the 271 games Arraez was with the Padres, he had a.304 batting average,.336 on-base percentage, and a.730 OPS while hitting 12 home runs and 102 RBI. He was mostly implemented in the top half of San Diego's lineup.
Whatever team is fortunate to land him will be getting one of the best contact-hitting bats in all of baseball. Now, it's just up to him to decide on what organization he would like to call home.
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