When the San Francisco Giants first announced the slightly surprising news of signing bat-ball player Luis Arráez, questions arose as to where he would play. Like most infielders, Arráez had played all over the minor leagues, although he was considered a second baseman by the time he reached the majors. After a few years and some advanced NSFW moves, Arráez was primarily moved to first base and designated hitter during his time with the San Diego Padres over the past two years.
The Giants, of course, have first base managed for the foreseeable future with Rafael Devers and hope to have a designated hitter with Bryce Eldridge. Did the organization see things differently? Was Arráez there to play DH while Eldridge returned to Sacramento? Maybe to play the Wilmer Flores/Dominic Smith role off the bench? Or was he replacing Casey Schmitt at second base?
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As soon as those questions were asked, reports came in that this was the last resort: the Giants were hoping to sprinkle some of Ron Washington’s magic dust on Arráez’s glove (and arm and cleats), and eliminate him as an almost everyday second baseman. But since this decision is not yet finalized and made official, neither Arráez nor the Giants can really comment on this.
Now they can, and it’s clear as day: Arráez is your 2026 Giants’ high-paid second baseman.
Speaking for the first time in Giants gear Tuesday at the start of spring training, the ever-jovial Arráez confirmed reports that he rejected multiyear deals because the Giants, unlike teams offering those longer contracts, had promised to play him at second base.
The coaching staff and Buster Posey confirmed that Arráez was there to hold the fort at second, and they certainly expressed confidence in his ability to do so. According to the Susan Slusser of the San Francisco ChronicleWashington – widely considered one of the best coaches in baseball history – called the three-time batting champion a “pro” and said: “He just needs to be educated on the right way to play defense – it’s more than what happens between the lines, it’s also what your thoughts are, your work ethic, your ability to listen, learn and apply. I believe Arráez can be a very good second baseman.
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Posey, as is his style, was a little more calculated in his response, but Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area quotes the Giants’ president of baseball operations as telling reporters, “I think we’re all very optimistic that (Washington) can put Luis in a good defensive position, and then the bat, I mean, he’s the best hitter in all of baseball… We were convinced that there was a solid foundation there for a guy who could play second base well.”
Words and intent, of course, can only go so far, as Posey seemed to admit when saying, “As far as defense goes, it won’t be for lack of effort and work on his part and (the) coaching staff.” But that’s what the next six weeks are for: seeing how far Arráez can improve and how much work Washington and the coaching staff will do with him.
With nowhere to put him if second base doesn’t work out, it’s safe to say the Giants wouldn’t have committed $12 million to the three-time All-Star if they didn’t have confidence in his ability to play second base…or at least, extract more offensive value than he loses with the glove at that position. So it seems likely that he will have a fairly long leash, even if he struggles early in the season.
