The New York Yankees have been picking up shortstop prospects at an incredible rate, and their latest acquisition was top international prospect Roderick Arias.
Arias is a phenomenal young infielder with tremendous physical attributes and potential. On January 15, the international signing period began, in which the Yankees landed Arias for $4 million.
The majority of the Yankees’ $5.179 million signing pool will be allocated toward Arias. The 17-year-old Dominican Republic native has a great arm, fantastic athleticism, and features a switch-hitting bat, an added value.
Via MLB Pipeline:
“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.”
“He’s a switch-hitter whose swing is quick, compact and adjustable, with the ability to recognize spin well for his age and good performances against live pitching. He makes hard contact for his age, with more power now from the right side, and a chance to grow into above-average power once he fills out his lean, athletic frame.”
The Yankees have an insane amount of talent in the minor leagues:
With Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza climbing through the Yankees’ farm system, they will have another young player to continue developing in the years to come. Considering he’s just 17 years old, Arias has 4/5 years until the Yankees could elevate him to the big leagues.
It is possible that Roderick works his way up with Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees’ other top international prospect, also known as “The Martian.” MLB Pipeline has Arias ranked as the No. 1 prospect, and Baseball America has him at No. 2, just behind Cuban outfielder Cristian Vaquero, who’s just 16 years old.
Interestingly, MLB Pipeline believes that Arias will immediately become the Yankees’ No. 5 overall prospects behind Volpe, Peraza, Dominguez, and Luis Gil.