The New York Yankees have been incredibly active in the international market the past few seasons, landing several of the top prospects available. Earlier this week, the Bomber’s secured the rights to Roderick Arias, top international prospect and yet another shortstop to add to the farm system.
The Dominican Republic native is just 17 years old, featuring a switch-hitting bat and phenomenal arm. He can make every throw from any angle with impeccable accuracy, showcasing effortless fundamentals. Pairing that with smooth footwork and range, the Yankees could be looking at their next star shortstop if not for Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza.
MLB.com raved about Arias, who’s a legit switch-hitter with incredible power:
The top international prospect in the class, Arias is an extraordinary talent and the consensus No. 1.
There’s a lot to like about the teenager. Starting on the defensive side of the ball, Arias has plus arm potential. His throws are accurate and effortless, and he’s always in a position to make the throws. His arm is strong from any angle. He also shows good footwork with soft hands and above-average range.
At the plate, he exhibits above-average bat-to-ball skills and strike zone awareness. He shows good plate discipline and doesn’t swing and miss often. He shows power from both sides of the plate, especially by the right side. There’s good opposite-field power from the left side, and the overall package that could develop into a plus-plus hitter.
Ladies and Gentlemen the newest yankee internationally signed Roderick Arias 17 Year old switch hitting SS from ?? kids got all the tools. He is getting Comps to Wander Franco MLBPIPELINE rates him #1 this class . Best all around player. Lets go #yankees pic.twitter.com/9BDArxKzTg
— Pinstripe Strong (@PinstripeStrong) January 15, 2022
If Arias’s defensive qualities weren’t enough, check out his electrifying bat. With all the tools necessary to become a star at the MLB level, the Yankees will develop the youngster and refine him into a legitimate talent.
The Yankees have struggled recently with their homegrown players, watching Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, Luis Severino, and Gary Sanchez either plateau or succumb to injury. There is still hope that Torres and Severino can be productive players in the future, but with Sanchez struggling with significant strikeout numbers and porous defense, there’s not much time left for him to prove his worth over a longer time frame.