In the midst of the international signing season, the New York Yankees discover a much-needed addition. The team acquired Michael Arias, a right-handed pitching prospect, from the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs prioritized adding right-handed pitcher Colin Rea. The only option to make room was to eliminate a player. They chose to make Arias a free agent.
The Yankees’ management and sophisticated scouting recognized an excellent opportunity for a project player who might tremendously benefit the farm system, especially with Roki Sasaki off the roster. The team extended financial considerations and claimed the pitcher from waivers.
Michael Arias’ Journey to the Yankees Organization
Arias’ raw baseball talent surfaced around the ages of 16 and 17, grabbing the attention of international scouts. The Toronto Blue Jays later signed him as a shortstop for $10,000 in July 2018.
However, Arias struggled to find traction over the next two seasons, eventually resulting to his release from the Blue Jays in 2020. In an unexpected turn of events, the Chicago Cubs signed him a year later, this time as a pitcher.
The Cubs perceived more potential in Arias’ arm than in his abilities as a middle infielder, a choice that could prove critical in his career.
Development of the Mound
Arias’ development indicates that he was always destined for a role on the mound, whether as a pitcher or a two-way player. As he matured into his frame, his arm attributes outweighed his infield abilities, making throwing the clear priority. Arias has developed into a 6-foot right-hander with a projectable physique and flexible limbs. Initially, his mechanics were crude, and his control, pitch selection, and IQ were all work in progress.
However, Arias’ craft has constantly improved as he has accumulated more innings and experience. His mechanics have tightened, and his pitching ability has improved significantly.
Arias’ Statistics in His Career
Arias’ adjustment to the mound was fraught with difficulties, and his statistics reflected this. Between 2022 and 2023, he went 1-14 in 32 starts, a poor record that could easily have led to his resignation.
The specifics of his 2022 and 2023 seasons were similarly alarming. Arias struggled in 10 starts in 2022, going 0-4 with a 4.76 ERA with an almost similar strikeout-to-walk ratio. The following year, he went 1-10 in 22 starts, although his 4.09 ERA showed some optimism. Evaluators were impressed with his 110 strikeouts and 51 walks in 2023, which were divided between Low-A and High-A competition.
However, 2024 was a watershed moment for Arias. He was promoted to Double-A Tennessee, where he thrived, finishing 3-0 with a 3.75 ERA. Later that year, he advanced to Triple-A, where he finished with a 4.77 ERA, 6-2 record, 72 strikeouts, and 48 walks over 60 1/3 innings.
Arias’ ability to increase his numbers was intriguing, but his underlying measures revealed a more optimistic picture.
Evaluation Synopsis
Arias has an athletic, positional-player build and a raw but intriguing set of movements. While his mechanics do not indicate any considerable injury risk, his wind-up and delivery require continuing attention. Arias has a mid-range leg kick, a strong wind-up, and a smooth, consistent delivery. His arm movement is rotating, with a semi-sidearm release point just south of the 3/4 arm slot.
Despite some mechanical refinement, Arias has potential characteristics, including exceptional stats and pitch abilities. His fastball is a highlight, with biting downward action and a top speed of 99 mph, with a steady range of 95-98. He effectively works hitters inside with his fastball.
Arias’ changeup is another effective weapon, averaging 88 mph with good sink and spin that frequently drops below the knees. His slider has the potential to be a devastating out-pitch, cuffing batters inside while sweeping in the upper 80s.
Arias, a right-handed pitcher, adds interesting potential to the Yankees’ development system. He is now ranked 29th among the top 30 prospects. While Arias has room for improvement, particularly in fastball command, his whole package is impressive.