Luis Arraez is one of the best pure hitters on the free-agent market, but the Blue Jays are being urged to steer clear. He's simply the wrong fit for this lineup.

Arraez had a strong 2026, hitting .310. He also made a surprising leap at second base, turning into an elite defender after years of struggling with the glove.

On paper, that sounds like exactly what Toronto needs at a position full of question marks. In reality, it isn't.

The Jays finished last in the majors in runs and home runs. Ross Atkins summed it up bluntly: “We never put the ball in the seats.”

Arraez doesn't change that. He's a slap hitter who rarely barrels the ball, and another contact-first bat won't fix a lineup starved for power.

What about the defence? That's the second question mark.

Luis Arraez's defensive leap may not carry into 2027

His improvement at second base came out of nowhere. It's fair to wonder whether it holds, especially for a player who has never been the most athletic on the field.

Toronto already has an elite glove up the middle in Andrés Giménez. What it lacks is thump.

The better second base options bring power. Brandon Lowe hit 35 homers, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. offers speed and pop if his bat rebounds.

Even Ernie Clement provides versatility that Arraez can't match.

Signing Arraez would be a classic case of solving the wrong problem. He's a good player, but Toronto's offence needs slug, not singles.

Adding him to this lineup is like buying a better umbrella when your house is on fire. It's useful, just not for the emergency in front of you.

Atkins has said the club will look to add offence and starting pitching. Every dollar spent should be judged by how much power it brings.

Arraez will land somewhere and probably hit .300 again. The Jays just need to make sure their money goes toward a bat that changes games with one swing.