As the offseason progresses, the NL West is seeing significant movement. The San Francisco Giants have made a splash by signing a former batting champion, while the San Diego Padres appear to have settled on an internal solution to fill the void left at first base.
Giants Sign Luis Arraez to One-Year Deal
In the day’s headline move, the San Francisco Giants are signing Luis Arraez to a one-year contract worth $12 million, according to sources.
While Arraez has split time between first and second base in recent years, reports indicate he prefers to play second base, and the Giants are willing to accommodate that preference. This move is expected to initially displace Casey Schmitt from the lineup.
However, questions remain regarding Arraez’s production. While he brings three batting titles to San Francisco, his offensive impact has trended downward recently. His OPS+ has dipped significantly over the last three seasons:
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2022 & 2023: 128 OPS+
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2024: 107 OPS+
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2025: 99 OPS+
Given his limited defensive value, the Giants will be banking on a rebound with the bat for Arraez to solidify himself as a quality regular. Should the experiment at second base falter, the team retains flexibility to use him at first base or DH, potentially affecting the timeline of prospect Bryce Eldridge.
Padres Plan for Gavin Sheets at First Base
Following the departure of Luis Arraez via free agency, the San Diego Padres are reportedly turning to Gavin Sheets to fill the opening at first base.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Sheets is expected to get the “first crack” at the starting job. The 29-year-old is coming off a productive 2025 campaign—his first in San Diego—where he posted solid numbers over 545 plate appearances:
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Slash Line: .252/.317/.429
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Power: 19 Home Runs, 71 RBI
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Discipline: 107 K / 44 BB
Sheets was already projected to serve as the club’s designated hitter against right-handed pitching. Consequently, shifting him to the field is unlikely to drastically alter his overall playing time or fantasy value, but it solidifies the Padres’ infield defense heading into Spring Training.
Bullpen Depth: In a smaller transaction, the Padres also signed right-hander Michael Flynn to a minor league contract. The 29-year-old reliever struggled with injuries during the 2025 season in the Rays’ organization but managed a 3.68 ERA and a 15/14 K/BB ratio over 22 innings. If he can stay healthy, he offers experienced depth for the San Diego bullpen.
Rumors & Minor Moves
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Yankees Eyeing Austin Slater: The New York Yankees have expressed continued interest in free agent outfielder Austin Slater. Reports from The Athletic suggest the Yankees previously offered Slater a major league deal earlier this winter. The 33-year-old is coming off a down year split between the White Sox and Yankees, where he slashed .216/.270/.372 with 5 HRs in 160 plate appearances.
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Mariners Add Catching Depth: The Seattle Mariners have signed catcher Brian O’Keefe to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. O’Keefe, 32, spent 2025 with the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate, struggling to a .158 batting average. He is expected to serve as organizational depth in camp.
