The Cleveland Guardians have a crowded infield situation between MLB and Triple-A.
Right now, Jose Ramirez, Brayan Rocchio, Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor are the starters in the infield, while Juan Brito, Angel Martinez, Gabriel Arias, Kyle Manzardo, David Fry, Daniel Schneemann and others appear as options to get some at-bats at all infield positions between the majors and Columbus.
One of those names in particular, Arias, carries some significant potential.
He couldn’t get the job done for the Guardians this season and was demoted, but he remains a valuable piece of the roster or a potential trade piece depending on what the organization decides.
For now, Arias started playing Winter League ball with the Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela’s LVBP.
He started off his stint there with a bang.
“Cleveland #Guardians (SS) Gabriel Arias fell just a triple short of a cycle (3-4 3R 2B HR 2RBI) playing in his 1st game of the season today in the @LVBP_Oficial for his club @Tiburonesbbc_ including this 2-run HR in the 7th inning of the teams 9-to-4 win,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (SS) Gabriel Arias fell just a triple short of a cycle (3-4 3R 2B HR 2RBI) playing in his 1st game of the season today in the @LVBP_Oficial for his club @Tiburonesbbc_ including this 2-run HR in the 7th inning of the teams 9-to-4 win.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/QUJ707hJOE
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 17, 2024
Arias hasn’t been able to establish himself at the MLB level, with a 74 wRC+ in 563 trips to the plate.
That is 26 percent worse than the league average hitter.
He is still 24, though, and his upside is still considerable.
He also tore up Triple-A with a .317/.360/.545 batting line and a 130 wRC+, indicating that he might return above-average performance if given the chance.
He was never called up after that torrid stretch in Triple-A, but he will get a chance to impress in spring training and maybe win a role.
If his winter league start is any indication, he is very much in play to contribute in Cleveland.
NEXT: Guardians Reporter Takes Deep Look At Rotation Options Across The Organization
