Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 70 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

MLB Pipeline's top-rated prospect in the 2022 international crop, Arias turned pro for $4 million out of the Dominican Republic. His debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League was alarming, as he hit .194/.379/.370 with a 33 percent strikeout rate after missing the first month with a wrist injury. He looked much more dynamic in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League in 2023, batting .267/.423/.505 with six homers and 17 steals in 27 games before he broke his right thumb. 

The switch-hitting Arias works counts looking for pitches to drive and has the bat speed and developing strength to punish them when he gets them. He has a pull-happy mentality and did a much better job of making hard contact and lifting balls in the air during his second pro season than he did in his first, though he has regressed in 2024. It's a power-over-hit approach that could produce 20-25 homers per season once he's fully developed. 

Arias not only possesses uncommon power for a middle infielder but also tools to impact the game in a variety of other ways. He's a plus runner who's very aggressive on the bases and has 30-30 upside. He's a solid shortstop with smooth actions, instincts and a plus-plus arm who could play almost anywhere on the diamond.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 70 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50  

MLB Pipeline's No. 1 prospect in the 2022 international class, Arias signed for $4 million out of the Dominican Republic. He may have the best all-around collection of tools among the Yankees' stockpile of shortstops, though he'll need time to develop. He missed the first month of the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with a wrist injury, then slashed .194/.379/.370 with a 33 percent strikeout rate in his pro debut. 

Though Arias didn't post big numbers in his introduction to pro ball, he showed the ability to use the entire field and hit the ball hard from both sides of the plate. He may have returned too soon and tried to do too much once he did, but he displayed a quick bat, the ability to identify breaking balls and promising patience. He drew walks at a 20 percent rate and could develop plus power once he gains more strength and experience. 

Beyond his offensive upside, Arias has exciting all-around ability. He has run the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds, should be at least a plus runner even after he fills out his 6-foot-2 frame and is aggressive on the bases. With his quickness, instincts, smooth actions and a plus-plus arm, he's a no-doubt shortstop.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 70 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50 

MLB Pipeline's top-rated prospect in the 2021-22 international class, Arias signed for $4 million out of the Dominican Republic in January. He added to the greatest position of strength in a Yankees system headlined by standout shortstops Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. He has the potential for at least solid tools across the board and could be significantly better than that if he reaches his ceiling. 

Arias is extremely advanced at the plate for a teenager. A switch-hitter, he has feel for the barrel, recognizes pitches well, makes good swing decisions and uses the entire field. He makes consistent hard contact that could develop into plus power once he adds more strength and experience, and his pop currently plays better from the right side of the plate. 

Arias' secondary tools may be more exciting than his offensive gifts. He can run the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds and should retain at least plus speed once he's physically mature. He's also a no-doubt shortstop with instincts, smooth actions and a plus-plus arm.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

The top international prospect in the class, Arias is an extraordinary talent and the consensus No. 1.

There’s a lot to like about the teenager. Starting on the defensive side of the ball, Arias has plus arm potential. His throws are accurate and effortless, and he’s always in a position to make the throws. His arm is strong from any angle. He also shows good footwork with soft hands and above-average range.

At the plate, he exhibits above-average bat-to-ball skills and strike zone awareness. He shows good plate discipline and doesn’t swing and miss often. He shows power from both sides of the plate, especially by the right side. There’s good opposite-field power from the left side, and the overall package that could develop into a plus-plus hitter.

On the bases, Arias can score easily from first base and second base showing very good anticipation and awareness. He consistently runs the timed 60-yard run in 6.5 seconds, which is above average.

The teen trains in the Dominican Republic with Daniel Paulino and Luis Schecker, members of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program. The Yankees are the favorite to sign him.

Awards

FCL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

FCL Player of the Week

Week	Team
07/09/2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	10/16/2024	SS Roderick Arias assigned to Estrellas Orientales.
	04/03/2024	SS Roderick Arias assigned to Tampa Tarpons from FCL Yankees.
	03/11/2024	SS Roderick Arias assigned to New York Yankees.
	03/07/2024	New York Yankees Prospects activated SS Roderick Arias.
	06/04/2023	SS Roderick Arias assigned to FCL Yankees.
	06/06/2022	SS Roderick Arias assigned to DSL NYY Yankees.
	03/22/2022	SS Roderick Arias assigned to DSL Yankees1.
	01/15/2022	New York Yankees signed free agent SS Roderick Arias to a minor league contract.