MLB insider links Rangers to three-time batting champion first baseman

The Rangers' biggest weakness in 2025 was their offense. Despite leading the league in ERA (3.47), Texas missed the postseason with an 81-81 win-loss record due to inconsistent hitting, finishing the season ranked 26th in OPS (.683). To improve their offense in 2026, the Rangers might consider signing a three-time batting champion.

MLB insider Mark Feinsand links Rangers to three-time batting champion first baseman Luis Arráez

In MLB insider Mark Feinsand's recent article titled "Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to watch," Feinsand listed the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants as potential fits for free agent first baseman Luis Arráez.

Arráez had the best batting average (.316) in the American League (AL) with the Minnesota Twins in 2022, then won the National League (NL) batting title in 2023 (.354) and 2024 (.314). He regressed in 2025, but he still posted a respectable .292 batting average and led the NL in hits (181) for the San Diego Padres. He is a contact-oriented hitter who could help any offense create more runs.

Arráez isn't a player without faults, however. He doesn't hit for much power, as he slugged .392 with just eight home runs during the 2025 campaign. He doesn't even walk much, posting a .327 on-base percentage this past season despite nearly hitting .300. He isn't very speedy, either. Lastly, he is a poor defender, posting -9 outs above average as a first baseman with the Padres last season. The Rangers need an established first baseman, and one would think that if they signed Arráez, he would mostly serve as a first baseman. However, it's also possible that Texas will sign Arráez with the intention of mainly using him as a designated hitter, and also sign someone else who can play first base.

It's also interesting to note that Arráez was on three different teams throughout the duration of his rookie contract. After four seasons with the Twins, Arráez was traded to the Miami Marlins for starting pitcher Pablo López. Arráez spent one full season with Miami before he was traded to the Padres during the 2024 season. The fact that he was traded twice during the time he won three batting titles proves many front offices would prefer a player who has more than just one tool. Still, Arráez could be the perfect fix for the Rangers' main issue: lack of offense.