The New York Yankees are moving cautiously this winter, but they’re far from idle. Their top priority appears to be bolstering their pitching staff, with eyes on Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old flamethrower. However, pitching isn’t the only focus—the Yankees are also looking to strengthen their infield. Enter Luis Arraez, the Venezuelan first baseman known for his elite contact-hitting ability.
What’s next for the Yankees? It seems they’re content to wait for the right opportunity to make their move. Meanwhile, trade rumors are heating up across the league. One particularly intriguing possibility involves Marcus Stroman, who has emerged as a potential trade target for the San Diego Padres.
The Padres, eager to solidify their rotation, see Stroman as a key addition. Known for his poise and sharp pitching, Stroman has an $18 million player option for 2026, which vests if he reaches 140 innings in 2025. According to Baseball Trade Values, his surplus value is $7.4 million less than his projected earnings, making him a viable trade candidate.
In this scenario, the Yankees could benefit indirectly, acquiring Luis Arraez to fill a glaring need at the top of their lineup. Imagine Stroman bolstering the Padres’ rotation while Arraez brings his contact-heavy approach to the Bronx, setting the table for Aaron Judge. It’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition for the Yankees, especially since Arraez will be just one year away from free agency.
This brings back memories of Juan Soto’s situation—another high-profile acquisition who declined the Yankees’ long-term offer after one season, leaving them empty-handed. If they trade for Arraez, the Yankees face the same risk of losing a key piece after 2024. Will history repeat itself?
Why does Luis Arraez fit the Yankees’ needs?
Luis Arraez is a divisive figure in MLB circles. On one hand, his elite bat-to-ball skills are undeniable, with an impressive 94.2% contact rate when he swings. On the other hand, his metrics in exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, barrel rate, and walk rate rank near the bottom of the league.
Despite these shortcomings, Arraez brings precisely what the Yankees need: a consistent leadoff hitter who gets on base. His career .372 on-base percentage highlights his ability to reach base reliably, even without drawing many walks. This could be a game-changer for a lineup that often struggles to get runners on base ahead of Aaron Judge. With pitchers focused on avoiding Judge, Arraez could thrive by capitalizing on hittable pitches.
While he isn’t a power hitter, Arraez’s knack for putting the ball in play could address two major weaknesses for the Yankees—a steady leadoff presence and reliable on-base production. It’s a calculated gamble, but if the Yankees pull the trigger, Arraez could be the missing piece they’ve been searching for, and fans might just love seeing him don the pinstripes.
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