Newest Padres star literally called game during Petco Park debut against Dodgers

The San Diego Padres probably couldn't have scripted a better ending to their game on Friday against the Dodgers. They won at home against a key division rival at a key point of the 2024 season, which is obviously the most important thing. Michael King, one of the most important pieces in the trade return for Juan Soto, also pitched his absolute brains out against one of the hottest teams in baseball. However, the best part of evening came courtesy of Luis Arraez.

San Diego managed to trade for Arraez about a week ago, which was shocking enough, as trades for big names typically just don't happen in May. However, Friday was Arraez's home debut for the Padres and he immediately endeared himself to Padres fans by delivering the walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to score pinch runner Tyler Wade.

What is even crazier is that Arraez called the walk-off before it even happened.

Newest Padres star Luis Arraez called his shot against the Dodgers and then actually did it

It takes a special kind of confidence to come to the plate in that situation against a really good Dodgers team with the game on the line and deliver. However, Arraez went a step further than that. Before the at-bat, Arraez told Padres Radio that he turned to his hitting coach, Victor Rodriguez, and said, "I'll finish this game."

Finish the game he did with a line drive base hit to center, and the Padres were walk-off winners on Friday.

It has only been six games since the trade, but Arraez has been tremendous for the Padres thus far. He is slashing .375/.423/.417, and San Diego is playing some of their best baseball of the season right now, displaying tons of energy. If the Padres just need a hit to get something going, Arraez is very likely to deliver, and he clearly isn't afraid of the big moments like last night at all.

Is Arraez a perfect player? Absolutely not, but it does seem like he is the kind of player that the Padres needed, and it looks like AJ Preller's bold move to grab him is already paying off.

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