Former SF Giants first-round pick signs milb contract with Brewers

Longtime Boston Red Sox infielder, and former SF Giants first-round pick, Christian Arroyo has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Former SF Giants first-round draft pick Christian Arroyo has signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, per Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal is for a $1.5 million base salary including $500K in incentives, tied to plate appearances. His contract includes an invitation to Milwaukee's big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Red Sox 2B Christian Arroyo runs toward first base against the Mariners. (2023) / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Arroyo, who was once a star in the Giants' prospect system, spent the past four seasons with the Red Sox before being designated for assignment late in 2023. At the end of the season, he elected free agency. 

The infielder has been plagued by injuries for the last several years, hampering his playing time. He appeared in the most games of his major league career in 2022, hitting .286/.322/.414 in 300 plate appearances over 87 games. 

Born and raised in Florida, Arroyo was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2013 draft out of high school. He was committed to the University of Florida, but ultimately decided to turn pro. In his debut with the AZL, the Giants' rookie-league affiliate in Arizona, he hit .326/.388/.511 with two home runs and 39 RBIs over 209 plate appearances in 45 games.

In 2014 he played with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and Augusta GreenJackets, and in 2015 he was promoted to the San Jose Giants. By 2016 he was playing with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, batting .274 with three home runs, 49 RBIs, and 36 doubles in 119 games. In 2017 he debuted with the Sacramento River Cats, hitting .446 with seven doubles, three home runs, and 12 RBIs in 16 games. In quick turn, he made his MLB debut on April 24th, 2017, against the Dodgers.

Arroyo indoctrinated himself into the rivalry early, recording his first MLB hit off Clayton Kershaw the day after his debut. He was hitting .192/.244/.304 with 24 hits and eight walks in 135 plate appearances before he was sent down to Triple-A when Hunter Pence was activated after injury.

Before hitting Boston, he made stops in Tampa Bay and Cleveland, though neither lasted particularly long. Now with the Brewers, he'll have a chance to prove himself worth of the major league roster. Though he was originally a shortstop prospect (a position the Brewers have well covered by Willy Adames) he's grown into a versatile option at second and third base.