The Cleveland Guardians seem to be set in the middle of the infield for years to come.
However, after watching shortstop Gabriel Arias struggle at the plate lately, insider Paul Hoynes has some doubts about him.
“I thought [Gabriel Arias] had turned the corner as a complete player, but this stretch really leaves you in doubt. Is he the guy for 2026 and beyond?” Hoynes asked on the “Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.” “The questions that were there at the start of the season have come back, to me at least.”
According to Cleveland.com, Arias has struck out 35 times since returning from an ankle injury.
He’s hitting .195 with a .590 OPS and four walks in 87 at-bats.
Then again, to be fair, he’s been solid with runners in scoring position.
Yet, the Guardians have several options at shortstop and second base, so they don’t need to fear whether Arias is their long-term solution or not.
Brayan Rocchio has looked much better since a stint in Triple-A, establishing himself on defense and being much more efficient at the plate.
There’s also Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 prospect in the organization, who might get a chance to make his MLB debut this season if the Guardians wave the white flag.
But if that’s not the case, he will be in the mix to make the roster next season, if not at the start, then at some point during the campaign.
Arias will have his work cut out for him, and he’ll need to get his act together to close out this season.
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