Article: Twins Prospect Spotlight: Luis Arraez

[Tom Froemming]

The Twins announced earlier today that Luis Arraez, who was just recently promoted to Triple A, was being called up to the big leagues for the first time in his career. Arraez is a familiar name to regular readers of Twins Daily's minor league coverage, but let's take a quick look at some video to help bring this guy into 3D.The first thing that comes to mind with Luis Arraez is his hand-eye coordination. The thing that makes this guy special is his ability to square up the ball. In 354 career minor league games, Arraez has a .331 batting average.

 

He's an incredibly tough out. Among a sample of 885 qualified minor league hitters, Arraez has the eighth-lowest strikeout rate (8.4%) and the sixth-lowest swinging strike rate (3.9%) this season. One big development this year has been that he's posting a career-high 10.6% walk rate. Tough to pitch to a guy who always makes contact and is becoming more stubborn about expanding the zone.

 

There aren't any especially loud tools beyond his ability to hit for contact, but he's a well-rounded ballplayer and is a person who makes a big impact everywhere he goes. Arraez is an animated guy and seems like a bit of a character. People really seem to take a liking to him everywhere he goes.

 

[Tom Froemming]

And in case anybody's interested in seeing similar videos I've done on other Twins prospects, here are some links:

 

Jaylin Davis

Austin Schulfer

Royce Lewis

Lewis Thorpe

Alex Kirilloff

Jhoan Duran

[AlwaysinModeration]

Congrats, Luis! Hope you do well in the show. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a way to stick.

 

Maybe instead of Tortugito, he should be El Conejo.

[nclahammer]

If I'm not mistaken, Schoop signed a one year deal.  Arraez has raked the ball at every level, hope he's able to make the most of this opportunity and have the inside track for 2B in the Twins future.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I suspect Arraez and Gordon will be fighting for Schoop's spot (unless we extend him). Woudlnt' be surprised if one of those guys got traded come July too. We still have Lewis and Javier not far behind them, and Polanco isn't going anywhere. 

[jrod23]

If I'm not mistaken, Schoop signed a one year deal.  Arraez has raked the ball at every level, hope he's able to make the most of this opportunity and have the inside track for 2B in the Twins future.

 

Mah boy!!! Arraez arrived. I’d love to see him hit for days. Like I mentioned a while back, the great problem we’d possibly have is the log jam of infielders now and in the near future. Everybody do great. Trade the right guys when stock is high and get some pitching.

[Halsey Hall]

Arraez just plain hit all spring. I figured he'd have a chance up here with injuries.

[Don't Feed the Greed Guy]

The Arreaz call-up reminds me of Polanco's call-up in 2014. Schoop is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Too bad that there isn't a team option for 2020. Lots of middle infield options: Adrianza, Arreaz, Gordon, Lewis, Polanco, Torreyez. 2019 is an extraordinary proving ground for 2020, and Arreaz has a shot. Good luck, kid.

[rdehring]

I really like what Schoop has been doing for the Twins.  If it continues, I would like to see the Twins extend him.  Expect the problem is going to be that he will want a longer term deal than the Twins will want to do.

 

Meanwhile, this is a great week for all of us to see what Arraez can do, which is get hits and get on base.  Hopefully, that will continue into the big leagues and he will confirm he is their next option at second base.  Can't wait to see him in a game, unfortunately, it probably won't come until Monday in Anaheim.

[MNT1996]

Looks like a great player, but the Twins shouldn't take the plunge on him 2020. Resign Schoop (if he doesn't absolutely suck from now until the end of the year) and have Luis next year fill Adrianza's role.

[caninatl04]

How was he acquired?

[jokin]

 

How was he acquired?

 

Amateur FA signing.

Edited May 19, 2019 by jokin

[Jham]

Much of his game and personality reminds me of former Twins 2nd baseman Luis Castillo.

[GP830]

I can't help but wonder if he's being showcased as a trade chip. It seems like it would be silly to not try and extend Schoop at this point. I would aim for a 2 year extension, with money retroactive for his performance this season, so it ends up being like a 3 year situation overall. 

 

Otherwise, 2 with a team option. Sorry- back to Arraez.

[Mr. Brooks]

I can't help but wonder if he's being showcased as a trade chip. It seems like it would be silly to not try and extend Schoop at this point. I would aim for a 2 year extension, with money retroactive for his performance this season, so it ends up being like a 3 year situation overall.

 

Otherwise, 2 with a team option. Sorry- back to Arraez.

Accounts were that the Twins tried for a second year when they signed him, but he preferred to test free agency after a year. I don't think he's open to an extension, but the Twins could still try to re-sign him in free agency.

[GP830]

 

Accounts were that the Twins tried for a second year when they signed him, but he preferred to test free agency after a year. I don't think he's open to an extension, but the Twins could still try to re-sign him in free agency.

Thanks for the insight!