Giants Acquire Batting Champ Arráez, Impacting Infield Prospects

The Giants' addition of Luis Arráez shakes up their infield depth chart ahead of spring training.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The San Francisco Giants were determined to add a second baseman this offseason, but were unable to land top targets like Brendan Donovan, Nico Hoerner, or CJ Abrams. However, they were able to acquire three-time batting champion Luis Arráez on a one-year deal just a week and a half before spring training. Arráez's arrival will have a significant impact on the Giants' infield prospects, including Casey Schmitt, Casey Fitzgerald, and Vaun Brown Koss.

Why it matters

The Giants' acquisition of Arráez, a high-contact hitter, provides them with a proven veteran presence in the infield. However, it also creates a logjam and increased competition for playing time among the team's top infield prospects, who were expected to compete for roster spots this spring.

The details

Arráez, 25, has won three consecutive American League batting titles and is known for his elite contact skills and ability to get on base. His addition to the Giants' roster will likely push some of the team's top infield prospects, including Casey Schmitt, Casey Fitzgerald, and Vaun Brown Koss, down the depth chart and make it more challenging for them to break into the big-league lineup this season.

  • The Giants acquired Arráez just a week and a half before the start of spring training in 2026.

The players

Luis Arráez

A three-time American League batting champion who was acquired by the Giants on a one-year deal.

Casey Schmitt

A top Giants infield prospect who will face increased competition for playing time due to Arráez's arrival.

Casey Fitzgerald

Another Giants infield prospect who will be impacted by the addition of Arráez.

Vaun Brown Koss

A Giants infield prospect who will also see his path to the big-league roster become more challenging with Arráez on the team.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be a little bit of a grind physically and mentally, but that's what we're here for. We're here to compete and make the team better.”

— Casey Schmitt (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The Giants will have to determine how to best utilize Arráez and their infield prospects during spring training, as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Giants' acquisition of Luis Arráez adds a proven veteran bat to their lineup, but also creates a challenging situation for the team's top infield prospects as they compete for limited roster spots this spring.