The San Francisco Giants have signed Luis Arráez, a three-time batting champion, to a one-year contract worth $12 million. This decision, made just before spring training, has significant implications for other infielders on the team, particularly Casey Schmitt, who will transition from starting second baseman to a utility role.
The Giants were focused on strengthening their infield this off-season. After attempts to acquire players like Brendan Donovan, Nico Hoerner, and CJ Abrams fell through, the addition of Arráez provides a unique skill set and a new layer of depth for the team. Buster Posey, president of baseball operations, commented on the development, stating, “Adding a guy like Arráez is an opportunity for a guy like Casey and a guy like Koss to learn from as they continue their development.”
For Schmitt, who turns 27 in March, this shift in position comes after a season marked by resilience and personal growth. Despite grappling with injuries, Schmitt achieved career highs in home runs (12), RBIs (40), and games played (95), along with a solid .706 OPS. His journey has not been without challenges; he faced a left oblique strain early in the season and sustained multiple injuries from pitched balls. Schmitt described the year as “a little bit of a grind physically and mentally,” acknowledging that a wrist injury affected his swing.
Following a December surgery to address lingering issues with his wrist, Schmitt is currently behind other position players in camp but is expected to be fully cleared for baseball activities soon. “Assuming health, Schmitt is the overwhelming favorite to win a spot on the bench as a utility player,” Posey noted, highlighting Schmitt’s versatility after he played all four infield positions last season.
Options Dwindle for Other Infielders
The signing of Arráez also complicates matters for Christian Koss and Tyler Fitzgerald, who now face increased competition for a spot on the Opening Day roster. With Arráez’s positional inflexibility, both Koss and Fitzgerald may need to adapt by gaining experience in the outfield. Fitzgerald, who has played 61 combined games in the outfield, understands the necessity of diversifying his skills. “It’s important to grab reps voluntarily,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to be prepared for any changes in the lineup.
Koss, who has yet to report to camp, will also need to consider outfield training as the team evaluates its roster construction. Fitzgerald mentioned, “I signed Arráez, so now my best chance, barring any injuries, will probably be for me to play better in the outfield and get more reps out there.”
Both players have spent time with the infielders and outfielders during the early days of spring training, with Fitzgerald taking grounders at shortstop and fielding fly balls in the outfield. “We’ll get some looks at him on the infield, potentially in the outfield as well, and see if some of that versatility will add another layer of depth,” Posey added.
As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Arráez not only strengthens their infield but also prompts a re-evaluation of roles for players like Schmitt, Koss, and Fitzgerald. The outcomes of these shifts will be closely monitored as the team aims for a successful 2024 season.
