"Luis Arraez is a one-trick pony" - MLB sportscaster discourages Mets from targeting 3x batting champion as Pete Alonso's replacement
The New York Mets are reportedly interested in bringing Luis Arraez from the San Diego Padres for next season, especially if they are unable to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, a free agent. However, MLB sportscaster Evan Roberts has advised the Mets to steer clear of replacing Alonso with Arraez at first base, as Arraez is a 'one-trick pony.'
Arraez is arguably the best contact hitter in the MLB right now after winning his third consecutive batting title this year. However, that's considered to be his only major skill. He seems to provide much long-term value for a franchise in the long run. He has played for three teams over the last three years, despite enjoying considerable success with each one.
Evan Roberts offered his thoughts on the New York Mets potentially replacing Pete Alonso with Luis Arraez during his show on WFAN this Sunday.
"He's a one-trick pony," Roberts said. "He's a singles hitter. He hits for a very high average and does nothing else. He doesn't hit for pop, he doesn't run, he never walks. His OPS is pedestrian at best, but he'll go out in at .320 [batting average].
"I think Arraez is a backup plan," Roberts added. "If you are essentially replacing Pete Alonso with Luis Arraez, you are just changing the entire complexion of this lineup. That's what you're doing. I don't even know where I'd hit him. He's not a high on-base guy. He just gets a lot of hits."
Alonso is regarded as one of the best power hitters in the MLB and has hit more than 30 home runs in every 162-game season of his career. Meanwhile, Arraez has never managed more than 10 homers in a single campaign.
"He's a better version of Jeff McNeil": Evan Roberts on potential fit for Luis Arraez in Mets lineup
Although Evan Roberts discouraged the Mets from trading for Luis Arraez as a replacement for Pete Alonso, he still feels the three-time batting champion has a place in the New York Mets lineup as an upgrade on their veteran second baseman Jeff McNeil.
"He doesn't have to be the [everyday] second baseman," Roberts said. "He can be the second baseman sometimes. He can be the second baseman until a Jeff Williams or a Luisangel Acuña proves they are ready to be the everyday second baseman. Then Arraez could potentially play first, could potentially play third, could potentially play left field, could potentially be the DH.
"Here's what he is in my opinion: he is a better version of Jeff McNeil and a younger version of Jeff McNeil," he added. "He doesn't hit for as much pop as Jeff McNeil, but he's younger; he's a little bit cheaper because he only has one year left on his deal. But when you think about the potential to move around the diamond, he's just a better version of Jeff McNeil."
Luis Arraez made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2019 before he was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2023. He was part of one of the earliest trade deals of the 2024 season when he joined the San Diego Padres at the start of May.