The Cleveland Guardians traded away their starting second baseman, Andrés Giménez, last month.
That move not only freed up cash for the team to maneuver but also gave the organization a chance to start someone with a better bat at the position.
Giménez is the best defensive second baseman in baseball, and losing him hurts from a leadership standpoint, but the Guardians need more offense, and any of their internal options should be able to provide it.
Most specialists and fans have been talking about two main alternatives for the keystone: Juan Brito and Angel Martinez.
Daniel Schneemann could also earn a spot in theory, but there is a darkhorse in this competition and many analysts and fans are starting to realize it: Gabriel Arias.
“The Guards certainly have options at second base – Martinez, Brito, Schneemann, Freeman. Don’t forget about Gabriel Arias. After getting sent down last season, all he has done is hit in AAA and Fall/Winter ball. He has put himself in the conversation to make the club at 2b or utility,” sports anchor Al Pawlowski posted on X.
The Guards certainly have options second base – Martinez, Brito, Schneemann, Freeman.
Don’t forget about Gabriel Arias. After getting sent down last season, all he has done is hit in AAA and Fall/Winter ball.
He has put himself in the conversation to make club at 2b or utility.
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) January 12, 2025
Arias posted a 70 wRC+ in 53 games with the Guardians in 2023.
He was demoted to Triple-A Columbus in the summer, and after some adjustments, the hits started to come.
His 130 wRC+ in 43 games with Columbus represented hope for the future, considering he is still just 24 and has his whole career ahead of him.
He also homered six times in those 43 games, adding 11 steals and a .317 batting average.
Arias has also shown off his impressive offensive skills in winter ball.
Spring training will be the key for him, though.
Arias has always had upside, and he appears to have turned a corner.
If he can keep up his gains in camp, he could be the man to beat in the Guardians’ second base competition.
NEXT: 2 Electrifying Guardians Postseason Moments Make Exciting Offseason List
