Report: Marlins eyeing Arraez as Twins renew efforts to shop batting champ

The Minnesota Twins have renewed exploring a trade for utility man Luis Arraez after retaining Carlos Correa via free agency, multiple sources told Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

While no deal is imminent, the Miami Marlins are reportedly among the teams in discussions to acquire Arraez.

Hayes notes that the Marlins have been shopping starting pitchers this winter and could potentially make Pablo Lopez available in an Arraez deal.

A first-time All-Star in 2022, Arraez enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, winning the AL batting title with a .316 average and claiming Silver Slugger under the newly minted utility classification.

While Arraez broke into the majors as a second baseman, defensive woes have forced the 25-year-old contact hitter to move to first base. Last year, he played 65 games at first, 41 at the keystone, and seven at third.

The Twins were reportedly first interested in shopping Arraez back in early December, but nothing materialized. However, now that the Twins eventually lured Correa back on a six-year, $200-million deal, Arraez's path to playing time is less clear. With Correa at short, Jorge Polanco becomes the team's everyday second baseman, limiting Arraez to first base only, which could also be manned by Alex Kirilloff.

The Marlins do have a bit of an infield logjam, recently adding Jean Segura via free agency to play third base - a position he hasn't often played. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has second base, Garrett Cooper is stationed at first, and Joey Wendle is the likely shortstop now that Miguel Rojas has been traded. Jon Berti and Jordan Groshans will also vie for playing time in the infield.