New York Yankees sign former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop turned pitcher
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The New York Yankees have signed former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop turned pitcher Michael Arias.
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 lack of command has hampered him throughout the years
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.
Michael Arias strikes out 5 of the 6 batters faced in 2 scoreless innings pitched.
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.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 543 ANSWERS New York Yankees sign former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop turned pitcher Was Michael Arias a good depth signing for the Yankees? | ||
| Yes | 169 | 31.1 % |
| No | 169 | 31.1 % |
| Too early to tell | 205 | 37.8 % |
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