Yankees and Marlins Re-Sign Minor League Pitchers: Arias and Zuber

The New York Yankees have re-signed right-hander Michael Arias to a minor league deal, as reported by MLB Trade Rumors. Arias, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last offseason after being designated for assignment, had a solid 2024 season in the Yankees' minor league system.

He posted a 2.73 ERA with a 27.1% strikeout rate, showcasing his potential despite control issues that saw him walk 152 hitters over 211 and two-thirds professional innings. His most effective performances came at Double-A, where he pushed his strikeout rate above 30% and limited opponents to a .205 batting average.

However, control remains a challenge, as Arias recorded a 12.8% walk rate this past season. Originally drafted as a shortstop in 2018, Arias was converted to pitching in 2021, and at only 24 years old, he has room to improve his command and potentially become a major league asset.

Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins also re-signed right-hander Tyler Zuber to a minor league deal. Zuber, who was outrighted off the 40-man roster in early November, had the option to become a free agent but chose to return to the Marlins after spending time with the New York Mets.

He struggled during his brief stint with the Mets, allowing two runs over just two innings. After joining the Marlins organization, he faced challenges at Triple-A, where he had an 11.70 ERA across nine appearances in the majors after being recalled in August.

Zuber has a history of posting good strikeout numbers but has consistently struggled with control, allowing three home runs in ten innings this past season. In addition, he made adjustments to his pitching arsenal, notably increasing the usage of his sweeper pitch, which he led with for the first time in his career.

This change, along with the introduction of a sinker and changeup, saw his strike rate reach a career-best 64.9%. Zuber was selected in the sixth round of the 2017 draft by the Kansas City Royals and had a promising start to his career, reaching the majors during the shortened 2020 season.

However, injuries and control issues have hindered his development, leading to multiple team changes. Both the Yankees and Marlins' decisions to re-sign Arias and Zuber, respectively, indicate a strategic focus on maintaining depth in their pitching rosters.

This depth could prove crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season, especially considering the volatility often associated with relief pitching in Major League Baseball. The re-signings reflect a broader trend in MLB where teams are looking to bolster their pitching depth through players with potential upside, even if they come with certain challenges.

As both Arias and Zuber continue to work on refining their skills, they represent options for their respective teams as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.