Taking a look at Luis Arraez and the possibility that the San Diego Padres bring him back for 2026. 

There is no doubt that Luis Arraez is one of the best hitters in the league in terms of batting average.

The three-time batting champion puts the ball in play and is easily the most difficult person in baseball to strikeout.

Accumulating that type of resume would be recognized in the 1980s as a future Hall-of-Fame. In the modern era of the game, more than batting average and putting the ball in play is factored. For Luis Arraez, his lack of skill in other areas leaves him as an average to slightly above average baseball player.

The left-handed hitter does not walk; he shows little power or speed, and his glove work is also questionable. These four tools are usually not strengthened with age. Luis Arraez will always be a tough out in terms of putting the ball in play, but he fails to get on base at a decent rate if he is not hitting well over .300.

Last season, Arraez hit .292 on the season, which was a career low for the .317 lifetime hitter. He got on base at a .327 clip, which is not very good at all.

In his contract year, he put up his worst offensive numbers, putting up a 99 OPS+, which is just below league average.

Luis Arraez made $14 million last year in arbitration. His 2026 salary will not approach that number.

This winter, Arraez and his representatives have discovered that there is not a lot of demand for him. With a few weeks until spring training, Arraez is looking for a job.

The Padres need offensive help. Presently, Sung Moon Song is penciled in as a DH or first baseman for the team. Pretty much a role Arraez played last season. But coming over from Korea, Song is expected to suffer through growing pains initially. That is why the Padres need depth. Luis Arraez would provide that, but at what cost?

It is not clear what kind of offers Arraez has had this winter, if any.

As mentioned, he will get nowhere near the $14 million he earned in 2025. But he obviously won’t sign for league minimum either.

The Padres could explore a low AAV with incentives on a one-year deal as Arraez hopes to boost his value and head into free agency in 2027. The Padres could also give him a two- or three-year deal at a team-friendly rate. Luis Arraez is comfortable in San Diego, and he may elect to take the security of a multiple-year deal over getting top dollar.

San Diego should explore all angles when looking to upgrade the offense.

Luis Arraez may be one-dimensional, but there is value. It will come down to cost, but the later we get into the winter, the more affordable he will be.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.