Giants' Luis Arraez Opens Up on Departure From Padres

Arraez discusses emotional return to San Diego and desire to play second base full-time.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:48pm

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After leaving the San Diego Padres in the offseason, Luis Arraez made his return to the city with the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. Arraez, who signed a one-year deal with the Giants, opened up about his decision to depart the Padres, where he made an All-Star team, won the NL batting title, and led the MLB in hits in 2025.

Why it matters

Arraez's departure from the Padres is notable as he was a key part of their offense and consecutive playoff runs. His comments provide insight into his motivations for signing with the Giants, including his desire to return to playing second base full-time.

The details

Arraez said the Padres reached out to him in the offseason and were interested in a reunion, but he wanted to return to playing second base, which he had not done regularly since 2023 in Miami. In San Diego, Arraez primarily played first base, while Jake Cronenworth handled the keystone position. Arraez isn't a great defender, but it was important to him to return to his spot in the middle infield.

  • Arraez signed a one-year deal with the Giants in the offseason.
  • Arraez made his return to San Diego to play the Padres on Monday night.

The players

Luis Arraez

A second baseman who signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in the offseason after spending the past two seasons with the San Diego Padres, where he made an All-Star team, won the NL batting title, and led the MLB in hits in 2025.

Jake Cronenworth

The Padres' starting second baseman, who Arraez primarily played first base for in San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot of emotional things today, especially for me. When I'm playing on a team, I feel everybody's a family. San Diego Padres last year and in 2024, they are my family. And then now I have another opportunity with San Francisco, and then I just need to come here and enjoy myself. Enjoy the game.”

— Luis Arraez, Giants Second Baseman

“Yes, they (Padres) wanted to sign me back, but I wanted to go back to second base. I think it's a big opportunity for me, for my family. And then, I mean, I signed here for one year. I don't know what (will happen) later.”

— Luis Arraez, Giants Second Baseman

What’s next

Arraez will look to have a strong season with the Giants and potentially cash in on a bigger contract next offseason if he plays well defensively at second base.

The takeaway

Arraez's departure from the Padres highlights the importance of positional fit and comfort for players, even when they are leaving a successful team. His emotional comments about his 'family' in San Diego also show the difficulty of these types of decisions.