How SF Giants’ addition of Arráez affects Schmitt, Fitzgerald, Koss

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants were intent on adding a second baseman this winter. They couldn’t land Brendan Donovan. Or Nico Hoerner. Or CJ Abrams. Then, a week-and-a-half before spring training, they landed Luis Arráez, a three-time batting champion with a divisive skillset, on a one-year deal.

For Casey Schmitt, the ripple effect was obvious. Despite an encouraging season, one where he grinded through multiple brutal injuries, Schmitt will transition from starting second baseman to San Francisco’s utility man.