Luis Arráez agrees to terms with the Giants

Tony Vitello, the new manager of the San Francisco Giants, will be able to count on the services of three-time batting champion Luis Arráez. Arráez has signed a one-year contract worth $12 million.

Known more for his offense than his defense, Arráez got what he wanted from the Giants: the assurance that he would play second base. In 2025, in San Diego, the diminutive Venezuelan started only 10 games at second base. He racked up most of his statistics playing first base.

Luis Arráez entered this winter looking to play second base full-time, and that's where the Giants intend to play him, filling out an infield that includes Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman. https://t.co/EyIYQXcJSE

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 1, 2026

With this signing, the Giants' infield is now complete. Matt Chapman (third base), Willy Adames (shortstop), Luis Arráez (second base), and Rafael Devers (first base) will go to war day after day to help the Giants rack up as many wins as possible in a very competitive division.

Offensively speaking, the four teammates are clutch, but defensively, the presence of Arráez and Devers in key positions is not very reassuring. The two men will likely give their manager some cold sweats during the season. Add to the equation the young and talented Bryce Eldridge, who can play first base but will likely be used as a pinch hitter more often than not.

Arráez arrives in the San Francisco Bay Area with the firm intention of making a difference for his new team, but he is taking a big risk, as he reportedly turned down multi-year offers from other teams in favor of the Giants, who were more willing to accommodate his desire to play second base.

Arraez rejected several multi-year offers from other teams in order to play second base. The Giants now have their infield set https://t.co/Rbqx02o8qs

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 1, 2026

This is the position he has played most often in his career. In seven seasons, he has started 317 games at second base, compared to 244 at first base. Arráez has also played games at third base, shortstop, and left field. Of course, because of his bat, he has also been used as a designated hitter. It's a role that suits him well, even though he's not known for his power, which is a quality we look for in an athlete we want to put in that chair.

Let's hope that neither Arráez nor the Giants will regret this signing. The contract has the advantage of being short-term, leaving no trace in the medium and long term if the marriage is not a success.

This morning, I'm wondering about Logan Webb's reaction to the signing of Luis Arráez in anticipation of next year. Remember that Webb recently didn't mince words when he criticized his bosses for their inaction and for letting the Dodgers maneuver as they pleased.

The right side of the infield may not help Webb regain his good humor when he forces opposing hitters to hit the ball into the dust on that side of the diamond. However, on offense, he may enjoy better support from his teammates. There are always two sides to every coin.

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