Why Bringing Back Luis Arraez Makes More Sense Than You'd Think

[Matthew Taylor]

Free agency is officially underway, and over the coming weeks, the Minnesota Twins will have several decisions to make as they look to build a roster capable of competing in 2027. There are some obvious needs for the club, starting with a bullpen that struggled for much of the 2026 season. The Twins could also have a need behind the plate, depending on what Ryan Jeffers decides to do with the qualifying offer he received. However, another position that deserves some attention this offseason is first base.

As things currently stand, Royce Lewis is the de facto first baseman on the Twins' roster. While Lewis certainly has the offensive potential to be an impact player, his struggles have made it difficult to envision him as the everyday answer at the position. If the Twins head into 2027 with Lewis as their starting first baseman, it would be difficult to consider the offseason a success. Minnesota could pursue a traditional first baseman in free agency, or, as Cody Pirkl discussed in his recent article, the Twins could move Kody Clemens to first base and pursue an upgrade at second base instead. If the latter approach is something Minnesota considers, there is one familiar name who could make a lot of sense: Luis Arraez.

Everyone remembers Luis Arraez's tenure in Minnesota, he was a true fan favorite. He quickly established himself as one of the best contact hitters in baseball and became an excellent leadoff hitter for the Twins over his four seasons in Minnesota. His time in Minnesota culminated in winning the American League batting title in 2022 before the Twins traded him to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Pablo López following that season. Arraez didn't slow down after leaving Minnesota, winning two more consecutive batting titles in 2023 and 2024 while playing for Miami and San Diego. After spending time with the Padres and Giants, he eventually landed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

In many ways, Arraez remains the same player Twins fans remember. He hits for a high average, rarely strikes out, doesn't offer much power, and consistently produces an above-average offensive season. His 110 OPS+ in 2026 is a good representation of what teams can expect from him at the plate. However, there is one significant difference between the player who left Minnesota and the one who could potentially return. Arraez has completely transformed his defensive game.

During his time with the Twins, Arraez initially played second base before his defensive struggles prompted the organization to move him to first base full time. After being traded to Miami, he moved back to second base, where his defensive limitations continued to be an issue. That remained the case during his time with the Padres, but something changed in 2026. Under the tutelage of infield guru Ron Washington, Arraez seemingly figured things out defensively and became a legitimate strength at second base.

The numbers tell an incredible story. From 2019 through 2025, Arraez posted negative Outs Above Average numbers at second base every season, routinely finishing with marks of -8, -10, or even -11. In 2026, he flipped that narrative entirely, recording 12 Outs Above Average. That was the fifth-best mark among all second basemen in baseball. Going from one of the worst defensive second basemen in the league to one of its best is a remarkable transformation, and it completely changes the conversation about what Arraez could bring to a team.

Offensively, Arraez would give the Twins something they could use more of: consistency. Minnesota actually had a pretty productive offense in 2026, finishing ninth in baseball in runs scored. However, there were too many stretches when the lineup went cold, struggling to string together quality at-bats and going multiple games without generating much offense. Arraez is the type of hitter who can help prevent those prolonged slumps. He consistently puts the ball in play, works quality at-bats, and finds ways to get on base. He isn't going to provide much power or drive in a ton of runs, but he would give the Twins a dependable presence near the top of the lineup who can help set the table for the hitters behind him.

His defensive improvement might actually be an even bigger selling point. The Twins finished the 2026 season ranked 22nd in baseball in infield Outs Above Average. Second base was a particular problem, with Minnesota ranking 26th in baseball at the position with -6 OAA. Arraez's 2026 performance of 12 OAA would represent an 18-out swing compared to what the Twins received from their second basemen this past season. That is a substantial improvement at a position where Minnesota could desperately use one. Pairing that defensive production with his consistent offensive output would give the Twins an upgrade on both sides of the ball.

There is also a financial component that makes this potential reunion intriguing. Arraez doesn't necessarily carry the same name recognition as some of the other notable offensive players who could be available this offseason, such as Randy Arozarena or Seiya Suzuki. That could make him a more affordable option for a Twins organization that will need to be smart about how it allocates its resources. ESPN currently projects Arraez to receive a three-year, $54 million contract. For a 29-year-old coming off a season in which he contributed 4.1 WAR, that seems like a pretty reasonable contract.

Of course, Arraez isn't going to solve every problem on the Twins' roster. He isn't a power hitter, and adding him wouldn't eliminate the need to address the bullpen or potentially find another catcher. However, if Minnesota decides that moving Clemens to first base is the best path forward, Arraez would be an incredibly logical addition. He would fill a position of need, provide a consistent offensive presence, and bring defensive value that Twins fans probably never expected to see from him again.

The Twins have an opportunity to bring back a player who already knows the organization, is still an above-average hitter, and has developed into a completely different defensive player since leaving Minnesota.

---

Would you like to see the Twins bring Luis Arraez back this offseason? Would a three-year, $54 million investment make sense for Minnesota, or would you prefer to see the Twins pursue a different option at second base?

Image courtesy of John Jones-Imagn Images

View full article

[DJL44]

RField has him as an average defender at 2B, but he’s still a 3 WAR player you can sign for $16M a season. That’s way better than what you can get spending $16M on the bullpen.

[thelanges5]

Adding Arraez makes sense, 3yrs/$54 does not. 

[MackMan]

I'd down for a reunion. Maybe we give him something incentive laiden. Something of like $13million/yr with incentives to where he can earn an additional $2-$4 million for escalators or something. 

[DJL44]

7 minutes ago, MackMan said:

I'd down for a reunion. Maybe we give him something incentive laiden. Something of like $13million/yr with incentives to where he can earn an additional $2-$4 million for escalators or something. 

Go cheap or go home?

[Linus]

Call me a cynic but I’m calling BS on the defensive metrics. We’ve seen previous examples where they ying-yang all over the place in a given year. Common sense tells you that it is near impossible to consistently rate a poor fielder over the course of years and suddenly he’s great. Did he get demonstrably quicker and faster?  Seems unlikely at age 29 and that’s what it would take for him to improve that much in such a short period of time. 

[MackMan]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Go cheap or go home?

Well sadly, in today's game, contact hitters aren't as high demand. The market will dictate what is offered to him though. Especially considering his past injuries, he may not garner the amount he thinks he's worth. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

I'm in favor of this even if he is just now an average defensive 2B. Average at 2B is an upgrade over Clemens, who at 1B is an upgrade over Lewis at the plate and probably in the field. Arraez' bat helps this lineup tremendously as a high OBP machine at the front of the order with Keaschall. He will get 2 years $35m or 3 years $50m type deal. Let's not dream he will be cheaper. He won't be. I sign Arraez, trade Lewis for a change of scenery candidate (Grayson Rodriguez?), a C like Austin Wells,  or prospects, and move Clemens to IB backed up Roden as 1B/4th OF (Roden hits LH pitching well so I don't worry about 2 LH hitting 1Bs). I also consider trading Caratini for prospects and moving Jackson to the 2nd C role.  Lineup - Keaschall RF/DH, Arraez 2B, Buxton CF/DH, Jeffers C, Clemens 1B, Lee 3B, Jenkins OF/DH, Culpepper SS, ERod OF/DH. If Jeffers isn't re-signed, Trade for Austin Wells or sign Tyler Stephenson, Carson Kelly, or Auston Hedges. They hit 9, everyone else moves up 1. Bench is Roden (1B/OF/DH),  Caratini or Jackson (2nd C, could trade Caratini), Kreidler (UTL), Martin (2B/5th OF).

[Road trip]

I love his bat, his attitude, his hustle...and he's just fun to watch.

I have doubts that the significant defensive improvement is sustainable, or even real.

My heart wants to sign Arraez, but my brain isn't really on board unless the price is right and the contract length is more like 2 years instead of 3.  But who know, maybe the price will be right?  He's a hard player to put a value on.  If the Phillies pass, well, the Yankees and Boston both may need help at 2b and will put in bids.  But maybe they don't value him either??  He might be one of those guys that will get progressively cheaper as the off season progresses.  That sort of happened last year when he finally signed with SF.

[bjorks]

Only if he bats cleanup

[Parfigliano]

4 hours ago, Linus said:

Call me a cynic but I’m calling BS on the defensive metrics. We’ve seen previous examples where they ying-yang all over the place in a given year. Common sense tells you that it is near impossible to consistently rate a poor fielder over the course of years and suddenly he’s great. Did he get demonstrably quicker and faster?  Seems unlikely at age 29 and that’s what it would take for him to improve that much in such a short period of time. 

Defensive metrics are BS.  Useless.  They can be played with to say whatever you want.  OAA stats pffft.

[mike8791]

No, it doesn't.  I'm mystified why so many of these TD articles are fixated on bringing back ex-Twins, whether it's Arraez, Pagan, and others I can't think of.  I like Arraez as much as anyone, but here's a question I would like answered - who is going to make up for the 200 RBIs Bell, Jeffers and Larnach produced?  Certainly not Arraez.  And let's add another question: do we believe that Lee and Clemens can even repeat their 2026 performance?  

Those who followed the Twins all season saw the same thing - sporadic power outbursts follow by dispiriting low run totals.  The 2026 lineup surprised a lot of us, but it certainly didn't look a true playoff contender.  With the loss of Bell, the most likely loss of Jeffers to FA and the probable trade of Larnach because of the emergence of Jenkins and Rodriquez, if the Twins are going to be strong contenders for the post season, there are some major holes to fill.  We have no genuine power guys for the 3,4, & 5 spots.  Sure, one or two of the rookies could step up, but to count on that happening is just a crap shoot.

Arraez is a nice player, but we have Keaschal to leadoff, Buxton to follow and a couple of above average hitters in Clemens and Lee for lower in the batting order.  The Twins should concentrate this offseason in adding a couple of major league hitters who will drive in runs, either by trade and/or FA.  Improving the pen is also a need, but you need more fire power first.

[ashbury]

Would be fun to take part in celebrating Luis's first 90-run season in the majors.

[RpR]

32 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Would be fun to take part in celebrating Luis's first 90-run season in the majors.

It would be fun to have him win another batting title with the Twins.

[Greglw3]

6 hours ago, DJL44 said:

RField has him as an average defender at 2B, but he’s still a 3 WAR player you can sign for $16M a season. That’s way better than what you can get spending $16M on the bullpen.

What makes Field such an authority?

All that I’ve heard is that he was tremendous at 2B and that it was intensive work with Ron Washington that made the difference (Washington was one of the best defensive 3rd baseman I’ve ever seen when I watched him regularly at Toledo).

And WAR means nothing nor does OPS+ when it’s comparing him to lots of power hitters, who those statistics favor mightily and who play an entirely different role on a team hitting 3-6 and tasked with driving in runs.

Those statistics would be completely irrelevant to Arraez’s role, which would be to get on base at a high clip to set the table for the 3,4,5 hitters and to make contact in run scoring situations like runner on 3rd with 0 or 1 out and drive in those runs, unlike the many freer swingers the Twins have had in recent years who have stranded those runners on 3rd. Keep in mind,

Arraez hit .354 for a whole major league season. That would be Joe Mauer’s 2nd best batting average and Rod Carew’s 4th best.

[Greglw3]

Sign Arraez ASAP!!!!

[bjorks]

1 hour ago, mike8791 said:

No, it doesn't.  I'm mystified why so many of these TD articles are fixated on bringing back ex-Twins, whether it's Arraez, Pagan, and others I can't think of.  I like Arraez as much as anyone, but here's a question I would like answered - who is going to make up for the 200 RBIs Bell, Jeffers and Larnach produced?  Certainly not Arraez.  And let's add another question: do we believe that Lee and Clemens can even repeat their 2026 performance?  

Those who followed the Twins all season saw the same thing - sporadic power outbursts follow by dispiriting low run totals.  The 2026 lineup surprised a lot of us, but it certainly didn't look a true playoff contender.  With the loss of Bell, the most likely loss of Jeffers to FA and the probable trade of Larnach because of the emergence of Jenkins and Rodriquez, if the Twins are going to be strong contenders for the post season, there are some major holes to fill.  We have no genuine power guys for the 3,4, & 5 spots.  Sure, one or two of the rookies could step up, but to count on that happening is just a crap shoot.

Arraez is a nice player, but we have Keaschal to leadoff, Buxton to follow and a couple of above average hitters in Clemens and Lee for lower in the batting order.  The Twins should concentrate this offseason in adding a couple of major league hitters who will drive in runs, either by trade and/or FA.  Improving the pen is also a need, but you need more fire power first.

I get the loss of 200 and potential for regression/progression with Lee/Clemens, but the combination of Jenkins/Culpepper/ERod I think it's safe to say they could combine for 150, which would leave 50 for someone like Arraez. Caratini could even get there. 

Bell's RBI total is such an outlier for Twins fans because we rarely have someone approach 100, but Jeffers/Larnach #'s are replaceable. And Jeffers number will have to come from a potential position other than catcher. 

A thought I've had for the last few year is Buxton when he's been healthy has actually sacrificed RBI production because he was batting at the top. If he was in a more traditional position in the order could you argue he'd have 20% more RBIs, which would offset potential regression from a Brooks Lee? Not sure, but the more we talk about Arraez, the more I like the idea.

Keaschall/Keaschall

Culpepper/Arraez

Buxton/Buxton

Arraez/Clemens

Clemens/Jeffers

Jenkins/Jenkins

Lee/Lee

Erod/ERod

Carson Kelly/Culpepper

You could have fun with the top of this lineup where I wouldn't be worried as much about the loss of 200. Keaschall/Arraez at the top isn't piranha ball, that's Land Shark ball.  

[Nashvilletwin]

Arraez and Jeffers.   Both please.  Clemens to 1B. Lewis and Larnach gone.

2027 starting lineup:

1. Keaschall, LF

2. Arraez, 2B

3. Buxton, DH

4. Jenkins, CF

5. Jeffers, C

6. Clemens, 1B

7. Lee, 3B

8. Rodriguez, RF

9. Culpepper, SS

Bench: Caratini, Martin, Ross/Kriedler, Gonzalez/Roden.  When Houston comes up, he plays SS, Culpepper moves to 2B, and Clemens, Arraez provide 1B and DH flexibility.

That’s a competitive and fun to watch lineup.  It will win a lot of games, make the fans happy, and keep the development plan on schedule.

[DJL44]

20 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Keaschall, LF

3. Buxton, DH

4. Jenkins, CF

Rodriguez RF

Buxton is still their best defensive outfielder, followed by Emmanuel Rodriguez. One of them should be in CF. Your alignment gives up 20+ extra runs on defense.

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Buxton is still their best defensive outfielder, followed by Emmanuel Rodriguez. One of them should be in CF. Your alignment gives up 20+ extra runs on defense.

Buxton can play in the OF as many days as he can.  Certainly he’s going to keep playing in the field when’s he’s healthy, duh. 

[tony&rodney]

Arraez will cost more than Kody Clemens and he will have a better batting average too. He won't be better in the field, on the bases, and he doesn't produce as many runs. I like money and high batting averages but I prefer the Twins go with the better player, It isn't really close.

[Greglw3]

7 hours ago, mike8791 said:

No, it doesn't.  I'm mystified why so many of these TD articles are fixated on bringing back ex-Twins, whether it's Arraez, Pagan, and others I can't think of.  I like Arraez as much as anyone, but here's a question I would like answered - who is going to make up for the 200 RBIs Bell, Jeffers and Larnach produced?  Certainly not Arraez.  And let's add another question: do we believe that Lee and Clemens can even repeat their 2026 performance?  

Those who followed the Twins all season saw the same thing - sporadic power outbursts follow by dispiriting low run totals.  The 2026 lineup surprised a lot of us, but it certainly didn't look a true playoff contender.  With the loss of Bell, the most likely loss of Jeffers to FA and the probable trade of Larnach because of the emergence of Jenkins and Rodriquez, if the Twins are going to be strong contenders for the post season, there are some major holes to fill.  We have no genuine power guys for the 3,4, & 5 spots.  Sure, one or two of the rookies could step up, but to count on that happening is just a crap shoot.

Arraez is a nice player, but we have Keaschal to leadoff, Buxton to follow and a couple of above average hitters in Clemens and Lee for lower in the batting order.  The Twins should concentrate this offseason in adding a couple of major league hitters who will drive in runs, either by trade and/or FA.  Improving the pen is also a need, but you need more fire power first.

Clemens hit .239, Arraez hit .310.

The game isn’t all about power as a team like the Brewers shows.

I think that .239 was Clemens highest average and Arraez has hit .354! SO, why wouldn’t the Twins want to signa player that has hit .354 for a full major league season.

If he hits .354 again, it would be like adding in-his-prime Rod Carew (the .350, .359 and .364 seasons) to the batting order.

His approach to hitting is vastly superior to Lee and Clemens, who swing for the fences a lot and therefore make outs in so many key situations where if they just made contact, they could help win a game. Keaschall, I like a lot, but Arraez and Keaschall would be a significant improvement right away.

I’l be bitterly disappointed if the Twins don’t sign Arraez.

[Greglw3]

4 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Arraez will cost more than Kody Clemens and he will have a better batting average too. He won't be better in the field, on the bases, and he doesn't produce as many runs. I like money and high batting averages but I prefer the Twins go with the better player, It isn't really close.

Wait! Are you saying that the guy that hit .239 is the better player than the guy who lead the National league in hits last year, played great defense at 2B and has hit .354 in a full major league season? And that it isn’t even close? The world has turned upside down.

[Greglw3]

6 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Arraez and Jeffers.   Both please.  Clemens to 1B. Lewis and Larnach gone.

2027 starting lineup:

1. Keaschall, LF

2. Arraez, 2B

3. Buxton, DH

4. Jenkins, CF

5. Jeffers, C

6. Clemens, 1B

7. Lee, 3B

8. Rodriguez, RF

9. Culpepper, SS

Bench: Caratini, Martin, Ross/Kriedler, Gonzalez/Roden.  When Houston comes up, he plays SS, Culpepper moves to 2B, and Clemens, Arraez provide 1B and DH flexibility.

That’s a competitive and fun to watch lineup.  It will win a lot of games, make the fans happy, and keep the development plan on schedule.

As a fellow Twins fan and fellow Nashvillian, I applaud your thinking outside the box. I like the lineup but I would put Culpepper #6. I do think that from what I saw, Jenkins is already close to Buxton in CF. If Rodriguez doesn’t hit, I still like Roden's bat a lot. I’d also prefer they sign Bauers for 1B instead of Clemens. Due to Clemens swing for the fences approach, though he comes up with big clutch hits and hit 27 homers, he also goes into frequent 20-25 at bat slumps due to selling out for power.

[Greglw3]

7 hours ago, RpR said:

It would be fun to have him win another batting title with the Twins.

Or his 3rd 200 hit season, his 3rd time leading his league in hits, his 4th batting title or his second time hitting .350 or more for a full season or even his 2nd season of 88 or more runs scored.

[Greglw3]

8 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

Defensive metrics are BS.  Useless.  They can be played with to say whatever you want.  OAA stats pffft.

I also call BS on the defensive metrics and they are useless. A blind squirrel is better at finding an acorn than the advanced defensive metrics measuring the quality of a players defense. And then the mistake is compounded by WAR using the defective defensive metrics in its calculation and assigning way too high a portion of the calculation  to defense. As Bill James said,, they should rename WAR, WAG for Wild A** Guess.

[Greglw3]

11 hours ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I'm in favor of this even if he is just now an average defensive 2B. Average at 2B is an upgrade over Clemens, who at 1B is an upgrade over Lewis at the plate and probably in the field. Arraez' bat helps this lineup tremendously as a high OBP machine at the front of the order with Keaschall. He will get 2 years $35m or 3 years $50m type deal. Let's not dream he will be cheaper. He won't be. I sign Arraez, trade Lewis for a change of scenery candidate (Grayson Rodriguez?), a C like Austin Wells,  or prospects, and move Clemens to IB backed up Roden as 1B/4th OF (Roden hits LH pitching well so I don't worry about 2 LH hitting 1Bs). I also consider trading Caratini for prospects and moving Jackson to the 2nd C role.  Lineup - Keaschall RF/DH, Arraez 2B, Buxton CF/DH, Jeffers C, Clemens 1B, Lee 3B, Jenkins OF/DH, Culpepper SS, ERod OF/DH. If Jeffers isn't re-signed, Trade for Austin Wells or sign Tyler Stephenson, Carson Kelly, or Auston Hedges. They hit 9, everyone else moves up 1. Bench is Roden (1B/OF/DH),  Caratini or Jackson (2nd C, could trade Caratini), Kreidler (UTL), Martin (2B/5th OF).

I like your thinking across the board. If Clemens can’t avoid his frequent slumps, Roden looks like he can really hit.

[Nashvilletwin]

3 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

As a fellow Twins fan and fellow Nashvillian, I applaud your thinking outside the box. I like the lineup but I would put Culpepper #6. I do think that from what I saw, Jenkins is already close to Buxton in CF. If Rodriguez doesn’t hit, I still like Roden's bat a lot. I’d also prefer they sign Bauers for 1B instead of Clemens. Due to Clemens swing for the fences approach, though he comes up with big clutch hits and hit 27 homers, he also goes into frequent 20-25 at bat slumps due to selling out for power.

Thanks.

I like Bauers too - a lot.  We could sign both Arraez (2B) and Bauers (1B) to play the right side of the infield with Clemens in a super utility role.  That’s really strong!   The negative is that we still don’t have catching as there probably isn’t enough cash to sign Jeffers as well.   If we could also sign one of the better defensive catchers who might be significantly cheaper than Jeffers, then yes.  For me, on the margin, I prefer Jeffers and Arraez to Arraez and Bauers if we could only afford to sign two - and thereby play Clemens at 1B.

Of course, we could sign Bauers and Jeffers and play Clemens at 2B until Houston arrives.  In that case, Culpepper would move to 2B and Clemens to super utility. That would be incredible as well.

Coming off the WS win it’s my hunch that Bauers is the most likely of the FAs with QOs to take the QO if the Brewers won’t commit to a longer term deal.  If that hunch proves right, then its definitely back to Arraez and Jeffers for me.

[JBK]

Luis Arraaz is the Rodney Dangerfield of MLB

[HarmonK03]

5 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

I like your thinking across the board. If Clemens can’t avoid his frequent slumps, Roden looks like he can really hit.

Clemens is a streaky hitter, that has been proven over the last two years, that is why he is better suited to a utility role hitting lower in the lineup.  Roden has had one good three week stretch in his three stints in the major leagues.  And that was when he was playing in a reserve role.  He still has to prove what he can do in the major leagues and is running out of chances.