Roderick Arias

Scouting Report

MLB Pipeline's No. 1 prospect in the 2022 international class. Arias signed for $4 million out of the Dominican Republic. Wrist and thumb injuries shortened his first two pro seasons, though he was one of the more dynamic players in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League in 2023. He struggled in his first taste of full-season ball, batting .233/.335/.393 with 13 homers and Single-A Florida State League highs in steals (37) and strikeouts (171) last summer. While Arias will work counts and produces plus raw power with his bat speed and growing strength, he also has an overly aggressive, pull-happy approach that leads to many chases and empty swings, including on pitches in the zone. He's a switch-hitter who has a much better stroke from the left side (.776 OPS in 2024, compared to .544 from the right side), and all 22 of his homers in his first three seasons came as a lefty. He still could produce 20 or more homers per season, more than most shortstops, but he has created serious concerns about his bat and ability to make adjustments. A plus runner who's aggressive on the bases, Arias stole 64 bags in his first 183 pro games but needs to improve upon his 75 percent success rate. He has smooth actions and one of the strongest infield arms in the system, but his attention to detail slipped last year as he made 22 errors in 84 games at shortstop. He paled in comparison to Tampa teammate George Lombard Jr. at short and looked better at second base.