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Kevin Pillar says the Blue Jays would be "foolish" to pass on Luis Arraez

Kevin Pillar's Luis Arraez pitch could be one way to fix the Blue Jays' offence.
ByEdward Eng
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Sep 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) prepares to bat during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) prepares to bat during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to bolster their offense after struggling mightily in that department in 2026. Adding one of the most elite hitters available in free agency could do the trick. Former Blue Jays fan favourite Kevin Pillar wants the Blue Jays to get Luis Arraez this offseason.

“Whether Luis Arraez is getting on base or not, you know what you're gonna get every single time. He’s going to grind out at-bats, he’s gonna be tough … It doesn’t matter who he’s facing, he hits elite pitching … It’ll be foolish to not want a guy like that in your lineup,” Pillar explained on Blue Bird Territory.

Pillar further elaborated, in cases like the postseason where you are facing the best pitchers on the mound, Arraez would be the guy you want at the plate.

Luis Arraez would be a difference maker in the Blue Jays' lineup in 2027

As a three-time batting champion while leading the National League in hits twice, Arraez would be a solid fit for Toronto. His power leaves something to be desired as he has only reached double digits in home runs once in his career. That was when he hit 10 with the Miami Marlins in 2023. But Arraez certainly makes up for the lack of power with his elite approach at the plate.

Last season, the 29-year-old infielder put together another All-Star season. He posted a .310 batting average with a .765 OPS, and 67 runs scored, 33 doubles, seven triples, six home runs, 64 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 151 total games split between the Giants and Phillies. As always, Arraez would walk more (34) than strike out (28), making him one of the hardest outs in the game.

For his career, he has compiled a .316 average and .775 OPS, while striking out just 243 times in over 3,840 at-bats. He would fit in nicely with the Blue Jays near the top part of their lineup to help set the table for the power hitters to drive him in.

Arraez also had a solid season defensively at second base. According to FanGraphs he was worth +12 Outs Above Average and managed a +10 Fielding Run Value. He can also play first base and third base in a pinch.

The rumors on potential Blue Jays' free agent targets with power are getting the most attention, and rightfully so. They are expected to be in the market for guys like Seiya Suzuki, Randy Arozarena and Teruaki Sato. However, Toronto should still seriously consider adding one of the best pure hitters in the game to provide a significant boost to their offense.

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