Gabriel Arias Is Off To Concerning Start To The Season

The Cleveland Guardians’ offense was seen as a concern heading into the 2026 season, and in the very early going, the lineup did little to dispel that notion. With the notable exception of rookie Chase DeLauter, the Guardians were failing to produce more often than not.

For some players, like All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez, those struggles are nothing to be concerned about, as he will eventually work his way out of them. However, for others, failing to turn around a slow start could cost them their job.

For example, shortstop Gabriel Arias is off to a concerning start to the season, with a .071 batting average that could put his role in jeopardy.

“Gabriel Arias to start the season: 1-14 0BB 6SO .071 AVG .142 OPS,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.

Gabriel Arias to start the season…

1-14 0BB 6SO .071 AVG .142 OPS

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 31, 2026

Coming off a 2025 season when he batted .220, Arias entered spring training in a potential middle infield competition with Brayan Rocchio and top prospect Travis Bazzana. The Guardians decided to give Bazzana some more time in the minor leagues, which left Arias and Rocchio as the Opening Day double play combination.

However, with the Guardians batting less than .200 as a team and almost getting no-hit by the Seattle Mariners in the finale of their season-opening four-game series, they can not afford to carry slumping bats for long. For his part, Rocchio is batting just .154, so he is not in the clear by any means.

Bazzana is expected to be called up to make his MLB debut at some point this season. After representing his native Australia at the World Baseball Classic, his time at Guardians camp was somewhat limited, which may have led to the second baseman being sent to Triple-A to start the season. In three games with Columbus, he is batting .250 with an OPS of .900, thanks to a double and a triple among his three hits.

Even with an encouraging victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Guardians can’t keep that kind of hitting potential in the minors for long, especially if they are struggling at a position where Bazzana could help.