San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez could become a target of the New York Mets if the club fails to re-sign Pete Alonso, insider Andy Martino claimed.
In a piece published on January 9 by SNY, Martino delved into the possibility of Arraez jumping aboard a New York-based team.
Martino said the New York Yankees wouldn’t be the likely suitors for the versatile infielder. There don’t seem to be any indications that the Yankees are looking to add Arraez despite them potentially needing another infielder, specifically a third baseman.
As such, the Mets seem like a team that could be a good fit for the 27-year-old Venezuelan. Martino argued his case with the following statement:
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"If Pete Alonso signs with another team, Arraez could come into play as a stopgap first baseman who has an ability to play other infield positions (though at a below-average level)."
Arraez came up through the Minnesota Twins system but gained significant notoriety with the Miami Marlins after winning the 2023 NL batting crown with a .354 average.
However, the Marlins shipped Arraez to the Padres last season amid their struggles. Arraez had a successful run in San Diego last season, hitting .318 in 117 games to go with four dingers and 41 RBIs.
The uncertainty surrounding Luis Arraez’s contract situation for next season has prompted trade rumors throughout the Hot Stove season. But since Arraez and the Padres settled on a one-year, $14 million deal to avoid arbitration, it seems the rumors should take a backseat.
Padres’ ownership struggle coincides with Luis Arraez’s contract situation
Martino pointed out that the San Diego Padres are in the middle of a public ownership struggle. Late owner Peter Seidler left a contentious situation behind in which his widow and brothers have gone to court to settle ownership matters.
While the legal case should not directly impact the action on the field, the lack of clear direction could impact baseball operations.
As such, the ownership struggle could lead the Padres’ management to slash the payroll.
That situation could open the door for other savvy clubs to step in and try to pry away highly useful players like Luis Arraez. If that’s the case, a team like the New York Mets could cash in, netting themselves one of the most coveted infielders in the Majors.
