According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres have talked about a deal for three-time hitting champion Luis Arraez. After the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hye-Seong Kim this past week, he added, the organization had asked about infielder Gavin Lux, whom they could deal. Although Arraez just finished a disappointing season with the Marlins and Padres, recording 109 wRC+ and 1.1 fWAR, his history as a hitter who is consistently above average and his ability to lead off make him appealing to a Yankees team that needs offence.
The Yankees would be acquiring another rental with only one year remaining on his contract, but there are valid concerns regarding his glove and suitability for Yankee Stadium.
Given that DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera are expected to start at third base and Jazz Chisholm at second base, it is evident that the Yankees’ infield is still a major problem at the moment. Although it’s uncertain where Luis Arraez would play if he moved to the Bronx, the Yankees would love to have him at the top of their lineup because of his outstanding bat-to-ball abilities, which have earned him three consecutive batting titles.
He struggled with injury for the majority of the season and played closer to his typical form with the Padres last season, while having a career-worst batting average (.314) and on-base percentage (.346). Given that Arraez is not a very good baserunner and a mediocre second base defender, the Yankees’ main worry would probably be his glove. However, the Bronx Bombers would greatly benefit from his ability to provide offence at the top of the lineup.
Given how aggressively pitchers will attack the man in front of baseball’s best hitter, hitting Aaron Judge is an amazing challenge, but maybe Arraez is up to the challenge.
Yankees Are Showing Serious Interest in Luis Arraez
Perhaps the barrage of strikes that Luis Arraez would receive as opponents wouldn’t want to walk him for Aaron Judge would make hitting easier. Arraez is a very aggressive batter who loves to ambush pitches in-zone. Aaron Boone would love to have a dependable option he can put at the top of the lineup without hesitation, since the Yankees have struggled to find a consistent leadoff hitter in recent seasons.
Luis Arraez’s.372 OBP and 123 wRC+ over the last three seasons would undoubtedly aid the Yankees, who need offensive support, particularly in the OBP area. Being a slow runner and a poor defender makes it an unsatisfactory match, but it’s unquestionably superior to the Yankees’ current roster.
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