While fans patiently wait for the end of the lockout, today marked the opening of the International Free Agent period. According to multiple sources, the New York Yankees have signed Roderick Arias, the top free agent according to MLB.com. The Yankees used most of their international signing bonus money, inking Arias to a contract worth somewhere between $3.5 and $4 million.
The @Yankees have agreed to a $3.5 million deal with No. 1-ranked international prospect Roderick Arias, a 17-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic.
More from @JesseSanchezMLB: https://t.co/N8jeZfaGec pic.twitter.com/acByMt0tz5
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2022
Arias, a 17-year-old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, is expected to rank highly in an already loaded farm system.
Scouting Report
According to MLB’s scouting report, the switch-hitting Arias, has a talented arm, good defensive instincts, and can run 60-yards in 6.5 seconds. Furthermore, Arias has great plate discipline and rarely swings and misses. Finally, Arias profiles as a hitter that can hit with power from both sides of the plate, especially as a lefty. As a result, his bat should profile very well in Yankee Stadium.
Yankees Shortstops of the Future
The signing of Arias adds another talented shortstop into the Yankees’ minor leagues. The Yankees already possess Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, who rank as MLB’s No. 15 and No. 58 best minor leaguers. The Yankees also added Trey Sweeney in the first round of last year’s MLB draft who currently ranks No. 7 and Alexander Vargas who ranks No. 12.
Adding another talented shortstop gives the Yankees plenty of options moving forward. Volpe, Peraza and Arias all profile as plus defenders and likely have the ability to move around the diamond as needed. The Yankees could also opt to trade some of these shortstop prospects to add MLB talent including Matt Olson.
Top international prospect Roderick Arias is expected to sign with the New York Yankees on January 15, 2022. The 17 year old switch hitting shortstop has some serious pop.
🎥: Roderick Arias pic.twitter.com/8ushiPBXSW
— Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) December 4, 2021
As the Yankees continue to make moves this offseason, please be sure to follow Bronx Pinstripes for all breaking news!