Old version of Luis Arraez returns at perfect time as Padres near playoffs

There was once a point in this season when Padres fans were readying themselves for an emotional trade. Luis Arraez's name had been swirling the trade rumors for quite some time, but Padres GM AJ Preller ultimately decided to keep him.

The initial reward for hanging onto Arraez was unkind, as he batted .235 in August with only six runs scored. However, Arraez found his way back to his old habits, and we are thankful that Arraez has stayed. The three-time batting champion has been red-hot in September, pacing San Diego's lineup at the perfect time as the 2025 playoffs kick off in a week.

Padres' Luis Arraez has been on an impressive hitting streak to close out 2025

Entering Thursday, Arraez is riding a 13-game hitting streak, batting 18-for-51 (.353) with six runs scored and four walks. Overall for September, Arraez is slashing .329/.379/.405 alongside two home runs and a month-high 12 RBIs this season.

Overall, his .288 batting average is seventh-best in the National League, and the highest on the Padres. Now, we're used to seeing his name atop the leaderboards, but considering he's dug himself out of a rut this year, that spot in the ranking will definitely suffice.

Arraez brings a hitting tool to the table that has become almost obsolete among modern hitters. Batting average is no longer considered the most important metric to define a good hitter, which has sourly reflected on Arraez in terms of WAR. Despite that, his ability to make contact and get on base with hits is impossible to argue as something bad. It doesn't make him the best player on the Padres, but he still provides a value that most other players cannot.

There is something to be heralded about that, and as the Padres look to get through the National League in the postseason, they can breathe a bit knowing that Arraez's consistent hitting ability is back to normal. Last year, he went 3-for-9 with two runs in the Wild Card round against the Braves, and he will need to bring that magic again as San Diego prepares for a potential matchup against the Cubs.

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