Arraez Signs 1-Year, $12M Deal with Giants

Luis Arraez, the three-time batting champion known for his elite contact skills, has signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, according to multiple reports. The 28-year-old infielder, who spent the past season and a half with the San Diego Padres, will primarily play second base for the Giants in 2026, a position he prioritized during free agency negotiations.

Arraez turned down several multi-year offers from other teams to secure everyday playing time at second base, sources said. The deal, pending a physical, represents a prove-it opportunity for Arraez following a down year in 2025, when he posted a .292 batting average, .327 on-base percentage and .392 slugging percentage across 154 games. Despite the dip from his career .317 average, he led the National League with 181 hits, including eight home runs and 61 RBIs. His strikeout rate of 3.1 percent was the lowest in the majors, extending his reputation as one of baseball's most disciplined hitters; he whiffed just 215 times over seven seasons.

The Padres declined to extend a qualifying offer worth $22.025 million, opting instead to allocate resources elsewhere amid payroll constraints. General...