The Cleveland Guardians are currently holding an open competition for their second base job.
It was Andres Giménez’s position for the last three years, but the organization traded him for Spencer Horwitz and then flipped the latter for starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz and prospects.
Several names are vying for regular at-bats from the keystone: Daniel Schneemann, Gabriel Arias, Juan Brito, and Angel Martinez are the four players with the best chance, but we can’t forget about Tyler Freeman.
According to Guardians writer Chris Assenheimer, it will be Arias at second base come Opening Day.
“Gabriel Arias will be the opening day second baseman for the Guardians and Brayan Rocchio will have an All-Star first half. Also, shouldn’t have traded Josh Naylor. #NotHotTakes,” he posted on X.
Gabriel Arias will be the opening day second baseman for the Guardians and Brayan Rocchio will have an All-Star first half. Also, shouldn't have traded Josh Naylor. #NotHotTakes
— Chris AssenheimerC-T (@CAwesomeheimer) March 3, 2025
We already know Assenheimer would have preferred to keep Naylor and avoid losing a star power hitter, but let’s focus on his Arias prediction.
He said in the replies that Cleveland will give Arias one last chance because he is out of minor league options and they love their swing and their arm.
Arias, who was excellent in Triple-A after being demoted last year (130 wRC+) and was also brilliant in winter ball, has just three hits in six spring training games, but one of them left the yard.
He might be inconsistent, yes, but there is a lot of ball left to play in the Cactus League and plenty of time for Arias to convince the Guardians’ front office and coaching staff that he is the right man for the job.
No one has separated from the pack yet, but Arias could certainly be that guy eventually.
NEXT: Guardians Starter Looks Much Improved In Comparison To Last Outing
