On Sunday, Padres infielder Luis Arraez etched his name into baseball history by becoming the first player ever to win three consecutive batting titles with three different teams. Arraez finished the 2024 regular season with a .314 batting average, holding off a late surge by Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who finished second at .310. Arraez’s performance adds to his remarkable resume and highlights his unique skill set in a league increasingly dominated by power hitters.

A Historic Feat in Modern Baseball

Arraez’s accomplishment is not just rare; it is unprecedented. The 27-year-old Venezuelan infielder won his first batting title in 2022 with the Minnesota Twins, hitting .316. After being traded to the Miami Marlins before the 2023 season, he followed up with a stellar .354 average to secure another title, this time in the National League. Then, in 2024, following a midseason trade to the San Diego Padres, Arraez hit .314, making history with his third consecutive title across three teams.

Consistency in an Era of Power Hitting

In an age where power-hitting and strikeouts dominate Major League Baseball, Arraez stands out as a rare contact hitter. His ability to put the ball in play and avoid strikeouts sets him apart from his peers. At one point this season, Arraez went 141 plate appearances without striking out—a streak unmatched in nearly two decades. His precise approach to hitting is a throwback to a bygone era when contact hitters were more prevalent, and it underscores his importance to teams like the Padres, who thrive on offensive consistency.

Impact on the Padres’ Offense

Arraez’s arrival in San Diego brought an immediate boost to the team’s offense. The Padres ended the regular season with the highest team batting average and lowest strikeout percentage in the majors, largely thanks to Arraez’s influence. Batting leadoff, he consistently set the tone for the team’s lineup, providing timely hits and maintaining an impressive on-base percentage. His ability to hit for average rather than power added balance to a lineup filled with sluggers.

Looking Ahead: Postseason Aspirations

With the Padres headed to the postseason, Arraez’s contact-hitting prowess will be pivotal. His 200th hit of the season on Sunday solidified his position as one of the game’s elite hitters. As the playoffs begin, San Diego will rely on Arraez’s consistency at the plate to help them advance deep into October. Whether or not Arraez can carry his regular-season success into the postseason, his historic achievement will be remembered for years to come.