The New York Yankees added some depth and upside to their farm system, acquiring right-handed pitcher Michael Arias in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, the team announced Wednesday.
In exchange for Arias, who was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week, the Yankees sent cash considerations.
The 23-year-old spent most of the 2024 season between Double-A and Triple-A in Chicago’s farm system. In 49 appearances, Arias logged a 4.77 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 60.1 innings pitched.
Across 182 career innings as a pitcher, the 155-pound prospect has a 27.7% strikeout rate, but his 16.5% walk rate is a massive concern.
Initially an international signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, Arias entered pro ball as a shortstop. After he was released by Toronto, the Cubs signed him and converted him into a pitcher. He’s been developing ever since.
According to FanGraphs, Arias was Chicago’s No. 11 prospect, though his struggles with control have stalled his progression.
“This is a funky, low-slot righty with a mid-90s sinker, a potentially plus-plus changeup, and a righty-dowsing slider,” wrote Eric Longenhagen and Travis Ice. “He’s still projected for an impact relief role here as a multi-inning weapon with plus stuff, but this is below where Arias has been on the last two Cubs farm updates because his control just hasn’t improved.”
The Yankees needed to add some depth and upside to the farm system and while Arias is certainly a project, there could be something to work with there.
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