Where Would He Play?

As we approach the MLB Trade Deadline, I've seen more than one suggestion that the Yankees should pursue Luis Arraez.  Their reasons are pretty much exclusive to the fact that Arraez is a contact hitter with a high average who doesn't strike out much and would thus be a "perfect" fit in the lineup.  What those people seem to ignore, however, is equally if not more important.  Arraez would also need to play somewhere on the field!  And that's why the Yankees not only don't "need" to get him, it's something they really shouldn't even consider.

Luis Arraez is an excellent hitter.  I'm not disputing that fact.  How much his presence would make a difference in the lineup is debatable, but that's not even the point.  Adding Arraez would "solve" a nonexistent "problem" while not addressing other ones.  Worse than that, it would create more problems than it would supposedly "fix."  So, sorry, but, no, whatever value he may add to the lineup would be negated by all of the other maneuvering that would need to be done just to make it work.  Especially since it would be completely unnecessary.

Arraez is not a good defender.  He never has been.  That's why, for a lot of his career, he's been used as a DH.  He's also played first base, but has been primarily a second baseman this season.  And his defense at second is markedly improved this season under Giants infield coach Ron Washington.  Arraez has stressed that should the Giants trade him, he'd prefer to remain a second baseman.

The Yankees, of course, already have Jazz Chisholm at second base.  If they were to bring in Arraez to play second, that would require moving Chisholm to third and pushing Ryan McMahon to the bench.  McMahon's main (only?) value is his defense.  So, accommodating Arraez at second would weaken the defense at both positions!

Likewise, Paul Goldschmidt's biggest attribute is his defense.  So, it's not like putting Arraez at first would improve the defense there, either.  And, sure, Arraez could DH for the time being, but that option is only available temporarily (and would require sitting either Goldschmidt or Ben Rice).  Once Judge and Stanton come back, they'd need to find somewhere on the field for Arraez to play.  Which you can't do without moving other guys around!  And which still doesn't address the team's biggest need.

There are already four players who can play second base on the Yankees' roster--Chisholm, Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario and Max Schuemann.  Arraez would make it five guys who play the same position (six if you include McMahon, who spent some time at second while he was on the Rockies).  You know how many total outfielders the Yankees have on their roster, including the injured Judge?  Four!  And half of them are injured!  Adding another infielder wouldn't change that.

Another outfielder is a far bigger need than whatever Luis Arraez might bring.  Especially when two of the four are out!  We saw the lack of outfield options in full effect while Trent Grisham was on the IL and both Caballero and Schuemann started games in center field.  We may see that again if Bellinger's hamstring injury requires an IL stint.  Either way, getting somebody who doesn't play the outfield wouldn't exactly help that situation.

A common criticism of the Yankees (and an accurate one) is how they're too left-handed.  The lack of a right-handed bat is even more pronounced with Judge and Stanton both out of the lineup.  Arraez would be another left-handed hitter!  So, again, what need would he actually address?  You'd still be in the market for a right-handed bat, an outfielder and a backup catcher.  Arraez isn't any of those things!

It's also worth noting that Judge and Stanton are both expected back at some point this season.  "When?" is the million-dollar question.  But the point remains.  Could that change and do you still want some insurance in case it does?  Sure!  Assuming they both do make it back, though, that's effectively two Trade Deadline acquisitions that don't cost you a thing.

This hasn't been the strongest season for the American League as a whole, either.  That's an important thing to remember, as well.  They just need to get to October, and they're well-positioned to get there.  Assuming they get their injured players back, they'll be a better team come October than they are today (and the team they are today isn't as bad as some people want to believe). 

And, to get to October, they really only need to play .500 ball over the final 60 games and that should be enough.  You obviously want to perform better than that, and winning the division should be the goal.  But, the point is, the current roster is capable of doing what needs to be done.  I'm not saying they won't or shouldn't make any moves at the Trade Deadline.  An unnecessary one that isn't necessarily an improvement at second base shouldn't be one of them, however.

Two other points about Arraez.  He's a free agent after this season, so you'd be giving up roster pieces or prospects for a two-month rental.  To replace another guy who's also a free agent after this season.  The whole point of dealing a pending free agent who you don't think you'll be able to or want to re-sign is to get something for him.  Not to lose players with multiple years of team control and still potentially see the Trade Deadline acquisition leave!

More significantly, the Giants are one of the few known Deadline sellers.  There will be plenty of teams in the market for Luis Arraez.  He's already been liked to Texas, and I'm sure others have inquired about him.  San Francisco will likely be able to name its price.  There are other teams that are a better fit and have a bigger need that will probably be willing to meet that price.  Would the prospect/player haul be worth it to the Yankees for two months of Arraez?  Frankly, I don't think so.

While those who are fully on the Luis Arraez train may not agree, I simply don't see how adding him would make the Yankees that much better.  Any difference would be negligible, if there is one at all!  Especially when he wouldn't help in the areas where the team is actually looking to improve.  Bullpen, outfield and a right-handed-hitting backup catcher are the things the Yankees need and should prioritize at the Deadline.  Luis Arraez checks none of those boxes.  So, no, they don't "need" him.  And they don't even need to think twice about it.