Giants can replace Luis Arraez with 35-HR All-Star for $45 million

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Giants can replace Luis Arraez with 35-HR All-Star for $45 million originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The San Francisco Giants may be in the market for a new starting second baseman this offseason. 

Luis Arraez was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline. Arraez had a strong first half with the Giants, but San Francisco was out of the postseason race. 

Looking at next year's potential Giants roster, Casey Schmitt stands out as the most likely starting second baseman. He hit 21 home runs but finished the season on the 60-day IL. 

If the Giants want an upgrade while moving Schmitt around the infield, two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe is a logical fit. 

The Athletic's Jim Bowden predicts Lowe will sign a three-year, $45 million contract after a superb offensive season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting 35 home runs with a 121 OPS+. 

"The Pirates would love him to return, and he certainly enjoyed his time there, but it's more likely he'll sign elsewhere given the contracts he'll likely be offered after the season he just completed," Bowden wrote. 

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Similar to Arraez, Lowe's defense was much improved at second base. 

"Not only did he perform offensively, but he was among the best defensive second basemen, ranking in the 96th percentile in defensive run value," Bowden added. 

Lowe may not hit as many homers at the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park as he did at PNC Park, but he's a candidate to hit 30-plus doubles for the second time in his career. 

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