The San Francisco Giants must capitalize on Luis Arraez’s elite contact hitting to stockpile assets and salvage a disappointing season.
There doesn't seem to be a world where Luis Arraez stays with the San Francisco Giants long-term, so there's not a single valid reason as to why this team shouldn't trade him.
If they were in a better position than they are, then absolutely, there's a conversation to be had. That said, San Francisco is just 45-62 as they continue to flirt with being dead-last in the National League West.
Arraez has given this team everything here in 2026, but one person can't turn this sinking ship around. The trade deadline is now less than a week away, and his one-year, $12 million deal makes him a super intriguing rental for buyers.
There is no shortage of buyers this season; it's just a matter of how much value the Giants are able to squeeze out of Arraez. If they don't work out a trade, there's no guarantee a Competitive Balance draft pick would offer nearly the same return.
Giants must trade Arraez
If this team is serious about setting themselves up for the future, they'll stop at nothing to make a deal for Arraez. The 29-year-old is an explosive left-handed bat that won't give any team a no-doubt home run hitter, but he's a contact machine and his .325 batting average in 403 at-bats speaks volumes.
In an ideal world, the Giants are able to move on from both Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. Those are two contracts that have set this team back years, especially with how little production they've gotten out of them both.
It's no secret that the Giants would love to keep Arraez around, simply due to how great he's been here in 2026, but they can't turn a blind eye because of one career year. Missing out on a trade means they'd have to extend a qualifying offer, and if he doesn't accept, they'll find themselves in a similar situation as the Chicago Cubs, who got No. 75 overall after losing Kyle Tucker.
Arraez is one of the best hitters on market
The Athletic's Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo all agree that Arraez's value has never been higher. They pointed out the fact that he didn't sign a deal with the Giants until late January, but now he's someone multiple teams would love to add in a heartbeat.
All three agree that Arraez's trade value is far too much for the Giants to avoid, and if they do, it will only further set this organization back, one that is already far under expectations and could be years away from ever competing for an NL West title again.
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