The Milwaukee Brewers have inked a deal with infielder Christian Arroyo, as reported by MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy on Thursday morning. According to information from FanSided’s Robert Murray, Arroyo is on track to sign a one-year minor league contract. If he secures a spot on the Brewers’ Opening Day roster, the 28-year-old is set to receive $1.5 million, along with a potential $500K in incentives.
Having spent the last four seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Arroyo held a part-time starting role covering various infield positions, primarily focusing on second base. Boston designated him for assignment in August, leading him to elect free agency at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
The Brewers are in agreement with free agent INF Christian Arroyo, according to a source. 28yo plays all over the field, spent the last four years with Boston. https://t.co/yjWtWhCKxz
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 25, 2024
Originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Arroyo made his Major League debut with the Giants in 2017. In December 2017, he was part of the trade that sent him, along with three other players, to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for third baseman Evan Longoria.
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After a year-and-a-half with the Rays, Arroyo was traded to the Cleveland Indians at the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline. The Red Sox claimed him off waivers during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, and he remained with the team until his recent move to the Brewers.
Notably, Arroyo played a significant role for the Red Sox during their 2021 playoff run, recording nine hits with a .300 batting average, a three-run home run, and an .800 OPS in eight games of the ALDS and ALCS. In 224 regular season games with the Red Sox, Arroyo posted a .264 batting average, 18 home runs, 93 RBIs, a .716 OPS, and a 2.2 WAR. Throughout his career, he holds a .252 batting average, a .693 OPS, and a 2.0 WAR.
Arroyo’s versatility on defense was a valuable asset during his time in Boston, as he played at various positions, including first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and right field. While he struggled in the outfield with -5 defensive runs saved in 17 appearances, he contributed positively elsewhere with 11 defensive runs saved.
The Brewers will welcome Arroyo to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. FanGraphs predicts that Milwaukee will platoon Brice Turang and Owen Miller at second base to begin the 2024 season, providing Arroyo with an opportunity to earn playing time at that position, especially considering the limited MLB experience of Turang and Miller.
