Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Fans of Major League Baseball would expect to see a three-time batting champion as one of the top free agents available in most years. That has not been the case this offseason with Luis Arraez still available. His hitting prowess is something to be desired by most, if not all, the teams
in MLB but after a down season, the market for Arraez has been slow to develop.
Arraez seemed to be a natural fit in San Diego. After all, this is a city that loved and admired Tony Gwynn – one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport and the dimensions of Petco Park should lend itself to a bevy of base hits and extra-base hits for Arraez. But he underperformed in 2025 and finished with a .292 average, the second lowest number in his seven-year career. Combine a poor offensive performance with unremarkable defense and it is understandable teams, including the Padres, are not lining up to sign Arraez.
The left-handed hitting infielder hit second and played first and second base for the majority of the season under former manager Mike Shildt. That was the case even after the Padres added first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn at the trade deadline. There was some thought that O’Hearn would return to San Diego, but instead he signed a two-year, $29 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
San Diego still has a need at first base and/or second base depending on where Jake Cronenworth plays. The Padres have a new manager and lost multiple players to free agency, so a roster shakeup is to be expected. Depending on the money, would the Friar Faithful want or welcome Arraez on the 2026 roster? The Padres Reacts Survey aims to answer that question.
