Now playing for the Padres, Luis Arraez still holds a deep affection for the Twins and Minnesota. The Twins’ current three-game series in San Diego, which kicked off with a 5-3 defeat on Monday, offers Arraez a chance to reconnect with many of his former teammates. Although he’s enjoying his time with a successful team, his fondness for the Twins and Minnesota remains strong.
Luis Arraez definitely still feels an affinity for Minnesota. He said pregame that the time difference in San Diego helps him watch some Twins games, and he was bringing up names of young guys on the team he was excited to see, like Festa and Zebby.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 20, 2024
On Monday, Arraez shared that he was deeply emotional when the Twins traded him two winters ago, admitting he “cried a lot” over the move. He continues to follow the team, catching some games thanks to the time difference on the West Coast. He also mentioned that he still keeps his apartment in Minneapolis and is eager to visit Target Field as a visitor someday.
Luis Arraez has been catching up with Twins players and coaches during batting practice. pic.twitter.com/kWuhlGPQKp
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) August 19, 2024
Arraez began his journey with the Twins in 2013 when he signed as a 16-year-old from Venezuela. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and became an All-Star in 2022 after winning the AL batting title. However, in January 2023, the Twins made the tough choice to trade him to the Marlins in exchange for Pablo Lopez.
After hitting an impressive .354 last season to secure another batting title, Arraez was traded from the struggling Marlins to the Padres in early May of this year. Despite dealing with a thumb injury and not reaching the same success as in previous seasons, he’s batting .304 and is close behind Atlanta’s Marcell Ozuna (.309) for the NL batting average lead.
Arraez said he still hasn't sold his apartment near Target Field. He and Donovan Solano held court for a long time on the field pregame with their old Twins teammates. https://t.co/WA7PbQqQ2b
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 20, 2024
Arraez, reflecting on his time with the Twins, said, “They’re still my friends,” referring to players like Carlos Correa, Jose Miranda, and Max Kepler. “I spent my entire career there. I’ve never forgotten Minnesota. I miss it… I can’t wait to go back.”
The Twins traveled to Miami last season when Arraez was with the Marlins and are currently playing in San Diego. If he stays with the Padres next season, he’ll likely return to Minneapolis in 2025.
Another player reconnecting with former teammates on Monday was Donovan Solano, who has played in 66 games for the Padres this season after a standout year with the Twins in 2023.
