Right-handed pitcher Michael Arias is back with the New York Yankees on a minor league contract after he was non-tendered last week, according to his transactions log on MLB.com.
Arias did not make a Major League appearance last season, instead splitting the 2025 season across four levels in the Yankees’ minor league system. He spent most of the year at Double-A Somerset, posting a 2.57 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 21 innings out of the bullpen.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed the Dominican Republic native as an international free agent in 2018. Arias began his professional career as a shortstop but transitioned to the mound in 2021 with the Chicago Cubs. By 2024, he was the Cubs’ 11th-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline.
Command is an issue
Arias has thrown just 211.2 innings since making his professional debut in 2021 and dealt with injuries this past season. His transaction log indicates he was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The strike zone eludes Arias sometimes, as he averaged 6.5 walks per nine innings in his first five minor league campaigns. During spring training, he will need to display better command for the Yankees to give him a shot at the MLB level in the future.
Arias just turned 24 on November 15, so he’s still young enough for the Yankees to have patience with his development as a pitcher. He projects to be a middle reliever when and if he reaches the Major Leagues.
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