The New York Yankees are exploring every possible avenue to address their glaring hole at second base and solve their ongoing leadoff issues.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Yankees have reportedly discussed a trade with the San Diego Padres for Luis Arraez, the three-time batting champion and one of the most consistent contact hitters in baseball. While Arraez’s bat is undeniably intriguing, his defensive liabilities and looming free agency make this potential acquisition a calculated gamble.
“The Yankees are unquestionably a deeper team — and they’re not done, either. They’ve continued to discuss Luis Arráez with San Diego and inquired about Gavin Lux, whom the Dodgers could trade, to fill their open second-base slot. When the contract demands for relief pitching drop, the Yankees could dabble there, too.”
An Elite Leadoff Hitter
Luis Arraez is exactly the kind of hitter the Yankees need at the top of their lineup to set the table for their power bats, notably reigning MVP Aaron Judge. Last season, Arraez played 150 games, slashing .314/.346/.392 with four home runs and 46 RBIs. Though his power is nearly non-existent, his ability to consistently put the ball in play and get on base would provide a much-needed balance to a lineup often reliant on the long ball.
Arraez posted a 109 wRC+ in 2024, which is solid, but it marked a dip from the 130 wRC+ he logged in the previous two seasons. His value lies in his elite bat-to-ball skills, and his knack for avoiding strikeouts makes him a rare commodity in today’s game. Slotting Arraez into the leadoff spot would not only boost Judge’s RBI opportunities but also create a domino effect of stability in the batting order, particularly for the bottom half of the lineup.
Living with Defensive Limitations
While Arraez’s offensive profile is enticing, his defense is a significant concern. Over 339 innings at second base last season, he allowed four errors, posted a .977 fielding percentage, and recorded -3 defensive runs saved and -7 outs above average. Those metrics paint the picture of a below-average defender whose glove doesn’t match his prowess at the plate.
The Yankees would have to accept Arraez’s defensive shortcomings as part of the package, essentially prioritizing his ability to ignite the offense over his ability to prevent runs. This approach could prove risky, particularly in a tight playoff race or postseason series where defensive mistakes can be costly.
Financial Maneuvering Required
Adding Arraez wouldn’t come cheap, both in terms of trade capital and financial implications. The 26-year-old has one more year of arbitration left before hitting free agency, with the Yankees likely needing to pay him around $12 million for the 2025 season. That financial commitment would push the Yankees even further over the final $301 million luxury tax threshold, which ownership is reportedly trying to avoid.
To make room for Arraez’s salary, the Yankees would likely need to offload Marcus Stroman and his $18.5 million salary. Stroman has been a potential trade candidate all offseason, and moving his contract could give the Yankees the flexibility they need to accommodate Arraez while staying under the tax threshold.
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The Fit and the Risks
Arraez would undoubtedly bring a new dynamic to the Yankees’ lineup, offering elite contact hitting and an ideal leadoff option to complement the power-packed middle of the order. His ability to consistently put the ball in play could help balance out a lineup prone to strikeouts and streaky performances.
However, the defensive drawbacks and short-term nature of his contract present legitimate concerns. If the Yankees make this move, they would be betting on Arraez’s bat to outweigh his defensive liabilities, all while hoping to address their infield needs without depleting their prospect capital. It’s a delicate dance, but Arraez’s unique offensive skill set may be enough to tip the scales in his favor.