The New York Yankees have approached this offseason aggressively, especially after losing Juan Soto to their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets. They are reportedly not done making moves and could be eyeing one of the league’s top hitters to bolster their roster.
Harrison Bruns of Just Baseball has identified San Diego Padres star Luis Arraez as a potential trade target for the Yankees. Arraez, known for his elite hitting abilities, has already been traded multiple times, with the Padres being his third team in as many seasons.
“I really like the idea of Arraez playing in the Bronx, particularly for his potential as a hitter in front of Aaron Judge,” Bruns commented. “Last season, Soto filled that role ahead of Judge, but replacing him will be challenging. However, a hitter with Arraez’s consistency and batting title credentials is a strong alternative.”
Arraez stands out as one of the most reliable hitters in baseball, boasting unmatched batting averages. While he lacks the power associated with other top-tier hitters, his three consecutive batting titles, including leading the league in 2023, underscore his dominance at the plate. Though his defensive skills are a liability for the Yankees, his offensive contributions could justify the trade.
Bruns also noted that acquiring additional players, like Ha-Seong Kim, could allow the Yankees to optimize their infield by shifting Jazz Chisholm to third base. Alternatively, a first baseman acquisition like Pete Alonso could allow them to manage Arraez’s defensive shortcomings at second base.
With Arraez entering the final year of his contract, he is projected to secure a nine-year, $154 million deal in free agency next offseason, making him a high-stakes target.
