The Yankees have acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Arias from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. Arias, 23, was designated for assignment by Chicago earlier this week. With open spots on their 40-man roster, the Yankees did not need to make a corresponding roster move to accommodate the acquisition.
Who is Michael Arias
Originally signed as an international free agent by the Blue Jays, Arias began his professional career as a shortstop. However, after being released, he was picked up by the Cubs, who converted him into a pitcher. Despite showing flashes of potential on the mound, Arias has struggled with control, a challenge not uncommon for players transitioning to pitching after beginning their careers in another position.
Over the past four seasons, Arias has pitched 182 innings across various levels of the minors, recording a 4.25 ERA. While his 27.7% strikeout rate highlights his ability to generate swings and misses, his 16.5% walk rate underscores his difficulty in consistently finding the strike zone. Recognizing his upside, the Cubs added Arias to their 40-man roster in November 2023 to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. However, his command issues persisted during the 2024 season, where he posted a 4.77 ERA across 60 1/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, accompanied by a 25.2% strikeout rate and 16.8% walk rate. The Cubs ultimately designated him for assignment after signing veteran pitcher Colin Rea.
For the Yankees, the move represents a low-risk opportunity to tap into Arias’ raw potential. With a mid-90s sinker, a slider effective against right-handed hitters, and a changeup that FanGraphs analysts Eric Longenhagen and Travis Ice consider potentially elite, Arias has the tools to succeed if he can refine his command. The Yankees can also benefit from the fact that Arias has minor league options remaining, allowing them to develop him further without the pressure of immediate results at the major league level.
This acquisition aligns with the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to bolster organizational pitching depth. With several roster vacancies, they can afford to take a chance on a high-upside arm like Arias, who may still have untapped potential despite his control struggles. As he continues to adjust to his relatively new role on the mound, the Yankees’ development staff will aim to help him harness his stuff and translate it into consistent success.
News
Who is Amy Cole – brain, beauty, and the backbone of Yankees’ Gerrit Cole?
In a heartwarming moment that could have taken an unexpected turn, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole found himself momentarily caught off guard during his Cy Young Award acceptance ceremony. MLB Network’s Pedro Martinez posed a hypothetical question, asking Cole who he would choose to…
Yankees’ pitching prowess a formidable challenge to beat even without Sasaki
When the New York Yankees’ pursuit of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki fell short, the franchise faced a crucial moment of reflection and strategic recalibration. Rather than dwelling on the missed opportunity, the organization orchestrated a series of masterful moves that have…
Trade pitch: Yankees’ Stroman-Peraza combo for Braves’ 2B, relief arm
In a developing storyline that highlights the intersection of performance and payroll management, the New York Yankees have intensified efforts to move right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman before the 2025 season begins. Following an inconsistent 2024 campaign that saw Stroman excluded from postseason…
A new script awaits for Yankees’ backup backstop
The New York Yankees find themselves navigating a delicate situation as the 2025 spring training approaches: the conspicuous absence of a reliable backup catcher. While Austin Wells has cemented his position as the primary backstop, the organizational depth chart behind him remains…
‘This isn’t The Bachelor”: Insider rips Roki Sasaki’s signing process amid Yankees snub
The Yankees entered the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes with cautious optimism, even as underdogs. But their hopes were dashed when the Japanese phenom chose to look elsewhere, prompting some to question the role of his agent in the process. Geography shifts the balance World Baseball…
Yankees eye top southpaw relievers as roster void becomes a priority
The New York Yankees are facing a notable roster deficiency: their 40-man roster lacks a left-handed reliever. This absence has sparked significant discussion, with speculation mounting about how the team plans to address the gap. As of Tuesday, The Athletic reported that the…
End of content
No more pages to load
