New York Yankees to sign top international prospect Roderick Arias
The New York Yankees already have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to shortstop in their system. Two of their top three prospects – Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza – are shortstops, with both expected to be ready for the majors by 2023. Another top ten prospect in their system, Trey Sweeney, is also a shortstop and is expected to make his major league debut in 2024.
That has not stopped the Yankees from landing yet another talented shortstop. According to reports, they are set to sign Roderick Arias, the top international prospect, to a $4 million bonus.
There's been an update to #1 Roderick Arias news. He has agreed to a $ FOUR million deal, up from $3.5M @MLBPipeline’s Top 50 Int’l Prospects list. https://t.co/LWetCicBy0 Team has not confirmed.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 15, 2022
New York Yankees to sign Roderick Arias
Should that $4 million bonus be accurate (he had earlier reportedly agreed to sign for $3.5 million) it is still a potential bargain. Cuban outfielder Cristhian Vaquero, the second ranked international prospect, signed with the Nationals for an estimated $4.9 million.
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It is easy to see why Arias has been considered the consensus top international prospect. The 17 year old has displayed an impressive ability to make contact while showing excellent awareness of the strike zone. His compact swing shows plenty of power from both sides of the plate and he is able to hit the ball with authority to all fields, leading to the expectation that he develops into a plus-plus hitter. Add in his excellent speed and Arias is an exciting offensive prospect.
Arias is also an excellent defensive prospect. His strong arm allows him to make any throw required at the position while having a knack for setting his body up perfectly to make such throws. He has soft hands and excellent footwork with the range necessary to stay at short, adding yet another top prospect to the position for the Yankees.
Add those tools together, and Arias is an exciting five tool prospect. If he develops as projected, he could be a star within a few years, giving the Yankees an exciting young duo with Jasson Dominguez and Arias arriving in the majors at approximately the same time.
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The New York Yankees have added to their stockpile of shortstops. Top international prospect Roderick Arias is set to join the organization.