The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with infielder Christian Arroyo on a one-year minor league contract, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The versatile 28-year-old player, who can handle second base, third base, and shortstop, stands to earn a $1.5 million base salary, along with the potential to receive up to $500,000 in incentives if he secures a spot on the major league roster. Arroyo, who played for the Boston Red Sox last season, posted a batting average of .241 with three home runs and 24 RBIs in 66 games. Throughout his career with the San Francisco Giants (2017), Tampa Bay Rays (2018-19), Cleveland (2020), and Boston (2020-23), Arroyo holds a lifetime batting average of .252, accompanied by 24 home runs and 120 RBIs in 295 games.
Christian Arroyo to Brewers. Minors deal. $1.5M if in majors plus incentives. @AdamMcCalvy @ByRobertMurray on it
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 25, 2024
Brewers sign former Red Sox INF Christian Arroyo to minor-league deal
In August 2020, Boston acquired Arroyo off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Guardians. While with the Red Sox, he served as a utility infielder, often stepping in as a backup, primarily playing at second base, especially in the absence of Trevor Story in 2022.
Arroyo, historically an average player without a standout bat, had a below-average hitting record throughout most of his career, maintaining a .252 average and limited power, hitting only 24 home runs in 917 career at-bats. However, in 2022, he showed improvement at the plate, boasting a .286/.322/.414 slash line.
His noteworthy contribution to the Red Sox came during the 2021 ALCS run, where he batted .300 with an .800 OPS in eight games. That season, Arroyo recorded 43 hits, nine of which were achieved during his impressive playoff performance, including a three-run homer.
Arroyo has now signed a one-year deal with the Brewers and will attend Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. If he secures a spot on the Opening Day roster, he stands to earn $1.5 million with the possibility of $500K in bonuses during the season.
Despite the Brewers boasting young talent in their infield, Arroyo’s considerable major league experience sets him apart. He could potentially find a place on the major league roster, possibly in a bench role. His defensive versatility makes him a valuable addition to the Brewers’ infield, providing reliability despite not being an everyday player. While the roster already has a few second basemen, Arroyo’s ability to play at third or short further enhances his potential to make solid contributions to the team.