"SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. The Giants were intent on adding a second baseman this winter. They couldn't land Brendan Donovan. Or Nico Hoerner. Or CJ Abrams. Then, a week-and-a-half before spring training, they landed Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion with a divisive skillset, on a one-year deal. For Casey Schmitt, the ripple effect was obvious. Despite an encouraging season, one where he grinded through multiple brutal injuries, Schmitt will transition from starting second baseman to San Francisco's utility man."
"Casey did make some big strides last year, said president of baseball operations Buster Posey on Tuesday. (Christian) Koss, same thing. Adding a guy like Arraez, I think, is an opportunity for a guy like Casey and a guy like Koss to learn from, as well as they continue their development. And then it just gives us another layer of depth in our infield to have Arraez. Having played all four infield positions, Schmitt is plenty qualified for the role."
"Still, there's an argument that Schmitt, who turns 27 in March, deserved a chance to start at second base and that the Giants should've dedicated the $12 million they spent on Arraez to its pitching staff. Schmitt's third season in the majors was his best to date, one that ended with him seizing the starting second baseman job. His numbers don't leap off the page but he totaled career-highs in homers (12), RBIs (40) and games (95) while posting a .706 OPS (101 OPS+)."
The Giants pursued multiple second-base targets before signing Luis Arraez to a one-year deal, shifting Casey Schmitt from starter to utility infielder. Schmitt posted career highs in homers (12), RBIs (40) and games (95) with a .706 OPS (101 OPS+) during his third major-league season. Schmitt battled several injuries, including a left oblique strain, and showed marked improvement after June 10. Team leadership views Arraez as both an added layer of infield depth and a developmental opportunity for Schmitt and Christian Koss. Some observers argue Schmitt merited a starting role and that the Arraez money could have bolstered pitching.
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