Yankees official 2022 International signings include elite prospect

The New York Yankees have been silent during the lockout for apparent reasons, but they’ve been active in the international market, scouring for talent. Subsequently, they landed one of the best players in this year’s international class, Roderick Arias.

Arias is a potential elite talent, featuring a plus arm and switch-hitting bat.

MLB.com raved about Arias, who brings more shortstop talent to the Yankees’ farm system:

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.

Full list of Yankees’ International signings:

Roderick Arias, SS, Dominican Republic, $4M

Engelth Urena, C, Dominican Republic, $275K

Louis Pierre, CF, Haiti, $150K

Omar Gonzalez, RHS, Panama, $135K

Christian Zazueta, RHS, Mexico — $110K

The Bombers also inked Engelth Urena, Louis Pierre, Omar Gonzalez, and Christian Zazueta to deals. Clearly, management felt that spending most of their international money on Arias was a good move, and his bat would wholeheartedly agree.

At 17 years old, Arias has all five tools necessary to become an elite player at the MLB level. Luckily, the Yankees have 4-5 years to develop his game and prepare him for the big leagues. At his size, though, he could elevate through the farm system incredibly fast in the coming years.