SF Giants add 3-time batting champ Arráez, impacting Schmitt, Koss, Fitzgerald

Arráez's one-year, $12 million deal with the Giants will reshape the team's infield depth chart.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The San Francisco Giants have signed three-time batting champion Luis Arráez to a one-year, $12 million deal, adding a versatile infielder to their roster. This move will have a ripple effect on other players like Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss, and Tyler Fitzgerald, who will now need to adapt to new roles and increased competition for playing time.

Why it matters

The Giants were intent on adding a second baseman this offseason, and Arráez's arrival provides them with an experienced and talented option. However, this signing will impact the playing time and development of several young infielders, who will need to prove their versatility and value to the team in order to earn a spot on the roster.

The details

Schmitt, who had a breakout 2025 season, will now transition from starting second baseman to a utility role, while Koss and Fitzgerald will need to demonstrate their ability to play multiple positions, including the outfield, in order to earn a roster spot. The Giants believe this move will provide valuable learning opportunities for their young players as they continue to develop.

  • The Giants signed Arráez to a one-year, $12 million deal on February 7, 2026.
  • Schmitt underwent wrist surgery in December 2025 and is a little behind schedule compared to other position players in camp, but is expected to be fully cleared for all baseball activities in the next week.

The players

Luis Arráez

A three-time batting champion who the Giants signed to a one-year, $12 million deal to bolster their infield depth.

Casey Schmitt

A 27-year-old infielder who had a breakout 2025 season but will now transition to a utility role with the addition of Arráez.

Christian Koss

A Giants prospect who will need to demonstrate his versatility by playing multiple positions, including the outfield, in order to earn a roster spot.

Tyler Fitzgerald

A Giants prospect who, like Koss, will need to prove his ability to play both infield and outfield positions to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Buster Posey

The Giants' president of baseball operations, who discussed the team's decision to sign Arráez and the impact it will have on Schmitt, Koss, and Fitzgerald.

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What they’re saying

“Casey did make some big strides last year. (Christian) Koss, same thing. Adding a guy like Arráez, I think, is an opportunity for a guy like Casey and a guy like Koss to learn from, as well as they continue their development. And then it just gives us another layer of depth in our infield to have Arráez.”

— Buster Posey, President of Baseball Operations (thereporter.com)

“To me, if he's of the right mindset and he prepares the way I think he will with Wash, he kind of becomes a weapon at third base and second base defensively.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager (thereporter.com)

“We 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. That's something that I've talked to the coaches about. … It's going to be a little bit of a balance and trying to find a new routine.”

— Tyler Fitzgerald, Giants Infielder/Outfielder (thereporter.com)

What’s next

The Giants will continue to evaluate Schmitt, Koss, and Fitzgerald during spring training to determine their roles and roster spots, with a focus on increasing their versatility and ability to play multiple positions.

The takeaway

The Giants' signing of Luis Arráez has created a new dynamic in their infield, challenging young players like Schmitt, Koss, and Fitzgerald to adapt and prove their value to the team. This move highlights the Giants' commitment to building a deep and versatile roster, while also providing opportunities for their prospects to develop and contribute at the major league level.