The San Diego Padres offense has not been good enough, as they have scored three or less runs in all four of their games this season. The sample size is small enough that there should be no panic by the team’s management or the clubhouse, but they currently rank in the bottom three in average, on-base percentage and slugging.
One former member of the Padres, who could have benefited the team’s batting average is three-time batting champion Luis Arraez. Arraez was a member of the Padres during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, which both resulted in the team reaching the postseason. On both occasions, Arraez featured among the top of San Diego’s lineup.
Following the 2025 season, Arraez left via free agency, and signed a one-year contract with the division rival San Francisco Giants. Now, during the team’s first series of the season, Arraez has shared his thoughts on leaving San Diego.
Former San Diego Padres’ Luis Arraez Shares Thoughts
Arraez spoke to reporters prior to the first game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. Arraez said, “It’s a lot of emotional things today, especially for me. When I’m playing on (a) team, I feel everybody’s a family. And then San Diego, San Diego Padres last year and in 2024, they are my family. And then now I have another opportunity with San Francisco, and then I just need to come here and then enjoy myself. Enjoy the game.”
Arraez revealed that the Padres did have conversations with him regarding a possible return; however, the former San Diego player said that he wanted to return to playing second base, a position currently held by Jake Cronenworth.
He said, “Yes, they (wanted) to sign me back, but I want to go back to second base. I think it’s a big opportunity for me, for my family. And then, I mean, I signed here for one year. I don’t know what (will happen) later.”
Prior to the game, the Padres honored Arraez with a tribute video, displaying some of his highlights while he was a member of the team. During his two-year tenure, Arraez was selected to the All-Star team, won the batting title in 2024, and led the National League with 181 hits in 2025.
However, he failed to accumulate much WAR as a first baseman with the Padres after totaling 2.1 WAR in 271 games. Meanwhile, he reached 4.7 WAR in only 180 games with the Miami Marlins.
Padres vs Giants
In his first game against the Padres, Arraez went 0-for-4 in the Giants 3-2 victory.
San Diego’s offense struggled once again as they were shut out through the first eight innings of the game.
Jackson Merrill opened up the scoring for the Padres with a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth innings. Unfortunately for the Padres, Xander Bogaerts grounded out to finish the game during the next at-bat.
San Diego has a difficult task in the second game of the series as they face off against the Giants’ ace. However, Webb struggled in his first start this season as he allowed six runs on nine hits against the Yankees.
For the Padres, former Colorado Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez, will make his San Diego debut. The pitcher struggled last season as he posted a 6.70 ERA in 26 starts for Colorado.
Luis Arraez Shares True Feelings on Padres Departure