Luis Arraez is hitting free agency after this season is over, and his value has absolutely skyrocketed. CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder is calling it a major stock increase, one that is going to make re-signing Arraez seriously tricky for the Phillies.
The Numbers Tell The Story: Arraez Is A Star
Look, the Phillies traded for Arraez mid-season, and while his numbers with them have been a bit underwhelming (.293 average and a .727 OPS), don’t let that fool you. Overall this season, between his time with the Phillies and the San Francisco Giants, Arraez has put up a 3.2 bWAR. That’s big-time production. His .316 batting average is the best in all of Major League Baseball, and his .781 OPS is super solid. It’s clear he’s been a nice addition, even if he’s not hitting bombs.
But the real game-changer for Arraez? It’s his defense. Snyder pointed out that the “main area where Arraez has improved his stock has been on the defensive side.” We’re talking about advanced metrics here, folks, and they’re all saying he’s been a great defender this season. That kind of two-way impact is exactly what makes a player indispensable, and it’s why teams are going to be lining up with checkbooks ready.
The Bryce Harper Effect And Offseason Chaos
It gets even better for Arraez’s value, and tougher for the Phillies. He’s clearly helped Bryce Harper out immensely. Harper has been “significantly more patient” at the plate with Arraez in the lineup, and his production has been “much better as of late.” So not only is Arraez playing elite defense and hitting for the best average in baseball, he’s also making one of the biggest stars on the team even better. That’s the kind of impact that commands top dollar.
Snyder named Arraez as one of the “Five free agents who have helped themselves” this season, and it’s no joke. The Phillies want him back long-term, no doubt. The concept of keeping an elite contact-hitting, plus-defensive second baseman like Arraez on the roster is incredibly appealing. But after his “resurgent season to stardom,” re-signing him is going to be a nightmare. Plenty of teams will show interest. The Phillies and Giants will likely be in the mix, but other clubs are bound to jump in too. Getting him back is going to be way harder than just wanting him back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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