New York Yankees sign former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop turned pitcher

According to LWOS's Matthew Nethercott, the Yankees have signed former Blue Jays shortstop turned pitcher Michael Aries to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Arias, 24, was originally an international signing of the Blue Jays for $10,000. Signed as a shortstop, he was released and then signed by the Cubs, who moved him to the mound.

Arias has shown some potential as a pitcher but lack of control has been the biggest drawback, which isn't especially surprising for a guy who has only been in this role for a few years.

Overall, Arias has thrown 182 innings across multiple levels over the past four years, allowing 4.25 earned runs per nine.

His 27.7% strikeout rate in that time is a solid number, but his 16.5% walk rate is quite high.

Despite the issues, the Cubs added him to their 40-man roster to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft.

His control didn't improve in 2024, as he tossed 60 1/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with a 4.77 ERA, 25.2% strikeout rate and 16.8% walk rate. When the Cubs signed Colin Rea, they bumped Arias off the roster.

The Yankees acquired the right-hander from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

The Yankees non-tendered Arias at this years Rule 5 deadline, and then re-signed him a week later.

Injuries limited him to 29.2 innings across four levels this season, he posted a 2.73 ERA across 29.2 minor league innings in 2025.