Yankees Re-Sign Michael Arias to Minor League Deal
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The New York Yankees have re-signed right-hander Michael Arias to a minor league deal, as noted in his MLB.com transactions log. Arias, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last offseason after being designated for assignment, had a strong season in the Yankees' minor league system.
Over various levels, he posted a 2.73 ERA and achieved an impressive 27.1% strikeout rate. Starting the year in the Florida Complex League, Arias showcased his skills predominantly at Double-A, where he elevated his strikeout rate to over 30% and limited opponents to a .205 batting average.
However, control remains a significant concern for Arias. Despite showing improvement with his best walk rate at 12.8%, he still accumulated 152 walks across 211 and two-thirds professional innings. This challenge is understandable given his background; Arias was originally drafted as a shortstop before converting to pitching in 2021.
He was signed as an international free agent by Toronto in 2018 but was released before making an appearance. The Cubs picked him up in 2021, and through 2023, Arias primarily worked as a starter before transitioning to a reliever role at the start of the 2024 campaign.
In Double-A, he recorded a solid 3.75 ERA in 24 innings but had a tough time in Triple-A, where he posted a 5.45 ERA over 33 appearances with Iowa, walking 36 hitters in 36 and one-third innings. The Cubs designated him for assignment in January 2024.
Despite his struggles, Arias is still only 24 years old, which suggests that there is potential for significant improvement, particularly in command. At the end of the 2024 season, FanGraphs ranked him 11th in the Cubs farm system, while MLB.com placed him 14th.
His strikeout numbers, coupled with a three-pitch arsenal, indicate that he could develop into an effective multi-inning reliever similar to Jonathan Loaisiga, but he will need to demonstrate better control to have a lasting impact at the major league level.
This move by the Yankees reflects their strategy of building depth in their pitching staff while continuing to nurture talent from within their organization as they prepare for the upcoming season.