Reds trade opportunity quickly emerges after Giants sign Luis Arráez

Three-time batting champion Luis Arráez lingered on the free-agent market much longer than most expected, but he finally agreed to a new contract on Saturday evening after reportedly signing a one-year, $12 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.

MLB insider Robert Murray revealed that Arráez had other offers on the table — some for multiple years — but chose to sign with San Fran, in part, due to his desire to be more than just a designated hitter. Arráez is a sub-par defender at second base, but he's expected to hold down the keystone for the Giants in 2026.

While the Cincinnati Reds would've loved Arráez contact-first approach at the plate, perhaps there's a way they can exploit his signing with the Giants. After the deal was reported, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (subscription required) wrote, "Arráez is expected to play second base, making incumbent Casey Schmitt, a fan and clubhouse favorite, a potential trade piece."

Giants infielder Casey Schmitt could be a fit for the Reds after San Fran signs Luis Arráez

The Reds need a backup infielder who can play behind Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain up the middle. At the moment, the team's best in-house option is Tyler Callihan — a player who underwent season-ending surgery in 2025 and has played in just four Major League games. The Reds have high hopes for middle infielders Edwin Arroyo and Leo Balcazar, but neither have played above Double-A.

Schmitt would be a fine addition for the Reds and could provide plenty of insurance at all four spots across the infield. His best defensive home is arguably third base, though he has ample experience at second base as well.

According to Slusser, San Fran would likely be looking for pitching help — either a young starter or a backend reliever. Cincinnati has an abundance of starting pitchers, and a handful of young relievers could be traded if the return was worth it. Schmitt is pre-arbitration eligible and has one minor-league option remaining — something that would be intriguing to the frugal Reds.

Though the three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels added another lefty (Brock Burke) to the Reds bullpen, they lost Gavin Lux in the process. There aren't many free agent fits who offer the type of defensive versatility of Schmitt, and with Lux's spot still unfilled, Cincinnati may need go the trade route in order to backfill the roster.