The Most Valuable Player: Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres

Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion, will open the postseason for the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday. However, Arraez is more than just a batting expert – he is a walking paradox. In the last two years, he was traded twice and lost a salary arbitration, while his significance was doubted by numerous experts and clubs who increasingly view the game through the lens of analytics. Nonetheless, in a team that includes superstars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and potential National League Rookie of the Year Jackson Merrill, Arraez has become the defining face of the Padres' offensive power. Within the team, there is hardly any doubt about his value. Jurickson Profar praises him for transforming the lineup. This regular season may have been Arraez's least productive, yet he is seen as an obvious candidate for a contract extension, even though reaching an agreement might be challenging. The influential website FanGraphs estimates his 2024 production at merely 1.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), ranking him 110th among all qualifying position players. Since his move from the Miami Marlins to the Padres on May 4, Arraez has batted first in every game, leading perhaps the best, though stubborn, offense in the club's history. Despite a torn ligament in his left thumb, Arraez managed 141 at-bats without striking out. Since his arrival, the Padres have played at a pace that suggests a 97-win season – hardly a coincidence. His colossal contact rate is particularly significant in the playoffs, as hitting coach Victor Rodriguez notes. In 2024, the Padres have topped or approached the top in many offensive statistics, including batting average, batting average with runners in scoring position, contact rate, and many others. Behind these success stories also stands General Manager A.J. Preller, whose team now seems to have found an offensive identity that produces results anywhere. During his short stint with the Marlins, Arraez experienced a rapid rise before injuries and a poor start to the season forced the club to make changes. Since his arrival with the Padres, however, he has revitalized the team, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere and success. Above all, Arraez allows his teammates insights into his meticulous preparations and dedication to batting. Despite his turbulent travels, he now sees San Diego as home and is open to a long-term stay. If Arraez can continue his unique blend of measurable and intangible value in October, he will play a crucial role in helping the Padres realize their championship dreams.