The San Diego Padres are reportedly open to trading many of their players on expiring contracts this season. With significant financial commitments to a few star players, most of the roster is potentially up for grabs. Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report recently predicted that the Padres could move Luis Arráez, naming the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners as potential landing spots.
“Arráez has secured three consecutive batting titles, and his career average (.323) matches that of last season’s second-best hitter,” Rymer noted. “Since 2019, he has only swung and missed 405 times—fewer than eight hitters in 2024 alone. However, there are drawbacks. Arráez primarily hits singles, rarely draws walks, and is a below-average defender at both second and first base. Still, he is a valuable presence at the top of any lineup, and his market will likely reflect that if made available.”
The Reds seem unlikely to pursue Arráez unless injuries deplete their roster, as they already have Matt McLain and Gavin Lux at second base, along with Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, and Spencer Steer covering first base. Meanwhile, the Mariners, in need of offensive reinforcements, could be a logical fit. The Tigers and Giants might also be interested in upgrading at first base, and both could benefit from adding a high-contact hitter like Arráez to the top of their lineup.
