Here’s a bold statement: the Seattle Mariners should think twice before reviving Luis Arraez’s seemingly dormant free agency market. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Arraez’s name has been floated as a potential solution to the Mariners’ second base dilemma, the reality is far more nuanced than it seems. With just under three weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Peoria, the debate over who will anchor second base for Seattle is heating up, and Arraez’s name keeps popping up as a possible contender. But should it?
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Mariners’ second base situation has been a hot topic, especially after Jorge Polanco opted for the New York Mets’ deeper pockets—a decision no one can fault him for. While Brendan Donovan has emerged as a prime target, there’s no guarantee the Mariners will secure the St. Louis Cardinals’ star. As it stands, Cole Young is penciled in as the Opening Day second baseman, but whispers of Arraez’s potential arrival persist. Fox Sports even lists the Mariners as one of three possible destinations for the free agent, but this is the part most people miss—is he really the answer?
On the surface, Arraez’s resume is impressive. A three-time batting champion who led the NL in hits last season, he’s also a strikeout-averse player with a career-low 3.1% strikeout rate in 2025. Baseball Savant places him in the 100th percentile for K%, Whiff%, and Squared-Up%, which sounds like a no-brainer for any lineup. Yet, despite these accolades, the buzz around Arraez has been oddly quiet. And this is where it gets even more intriguing—why isn’t a two-time Silver Slugger generating more interest?
The answer lies beneath the surface stats. While Arraez is a master of hitting singles, his overall impact is limited. Over the past two seasons, he’s been a mere 1-WAR player, and Baseball Savant’s Batting Run Value ranks him in just the 15th percentile. FanGraphs’ Ben Clemons debunked the myth of Arraez’s lineup-boosting abilities in a 2024 article, arguing that his presence alone doesn’t elevate a team’s offense. SoDo Mojo’s Zachary Rymer doubled down on this critique, labeling Arraez a subpar slugger, baserunner, and defender. Ouch.
Projections suggest Arraez could sign a two-year, $24 million deal, which is well within the Mariners’ budget. But here’s the kicker: is he worth it? While Cole Young remains an unproven commodity, he offers more upside than Arraez, whose ceiling seems firmly in place. Here’s the real question for you: Would signing Arraez be a smart move for the Mariners, or are they better off betting on Young’s potential? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this polarizing free agent.
