The Miami Marlins traded for Luis Arraez before the season with the hopes that he could stabilize the top of their lineup.
They knew he was an elite contact hitter and they gave up a good starting pitcher in Pablo Lopez to acquire him.
What they did not expect is that he would be chasing a monumental MLB record.
Through 63 games, Arraez is hitting .403.
According to Sarah Langs, that is the seventh-highest average for a hitter through 63 games.
Luis Arraez’s .403 BA is the 7th-highest by a qualified hitter in his team’s 1st 63 games, since 1941 (based on current qualification rules)
the list ⬇️
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 8, 2023
Arraez is an old-school hitter who focuses on contact and putting the ball in play.
He does not strike out, and he rarely swings and misses.
Putting the bat on the ball is a lost art in MLB.
According to Paul Hembekides, Arraez has come to the plate 239 times this season and has swung and missed only 29 times.
This season, Luis Arraez has played 58 games, come to the plate 239 times, recorded 87 hits, and SWUNG AND MISSED 29 TIMES.
— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) June 8, 2023
It is not too early to think about Arraez possibly hitting .400 for the season.
The last player to do that was Ted Williams, who hit .406 in 194.
Arraez puts together these massive numbers without hitting for power.
He has only hit one home run this season and of his 87 hits, 17 of them have gone for extra bases.
Also, the 26-year-old is leading MLB in on-base percentage with .452.
Arraez is a big reason why the Marlins are one of the best teams in baseball.
They have a record of 35-28 and are currently in second place in the NL East.
Arraez’s pursuit of a .400 average will be one of the best storylines for the rest of the season.
NEXT: Luis Arraez Tops An Elite List Of Hitters
