A beloved Padres star edges closer to joining the enemy with a surprising $20 million, 2-year deal.NL
The San Diego Padres have been a step behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the loaded National League West for the last few years. This offseason, the gap between the two could grow wider as the Padres have a few key players heading to free agency.
Luis Arráez is headed to free agency, and it seems like the Padres will lose him to another team. San Diego has a lot of money wrapped up in its superstars, so signing a player like Arráez might not fit the payroll.
Clutchpoints’ Bailey Bassett recently predicted Arráez would ditch the Padres in free agency in favor of a two-year, $20 million deal with the rival Arizona Diamondbacks.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 08: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres celebrates his home run with Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on July 08, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
“Luis Arraez is still one of the best contact hitters in baseball,” Bassett wrote. “After being big trade deadline sellers, the Arizona Diamondbacks need to replenish the roster. Teams have drastically varying opinions on Arraez, but there are teams out there that will covet him. The Diamondbacks make sense as a free agent landing spot for the second-turned first baseman.”
Arráez could fit with the Padres on an affordable deal like the one projected, but the Diamondbacks might be the best fit.
Arizona is expected to shop Ketel Marte on the trade market, which would open second base for Arráez to take over. The Padres star could also slot in at first base for the Diamondbacks.
Either way, he would make their team better, especially if they’re considering moving Marte.
