The Cleveland Guardians currently have an opening at second base.
Juan Brito is expected to be given a chance to win the job in spring training.
However, he will have some tough competition: talented players like Angel Martinez, Daniel Schneemann and Gabriel Arias are also expected to be given a look.
Arias in particular is already making a strong case, and has reminded team officials that they shouldn’t sleep on him ahead of the 2025 campaign.
He is currently enjoying an amazing winter league campaign in Venezuela, first with Tiburones de La Guaira and then with Navegantes del Magallanes.
“Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Gabriel Arias goes opposite field for a 2-run HR in the 3rd inning for @Magallanes_bbc in the teams 9-to-8 win in the Venezuelan Winter League. Arias was in right field again tonight on defense,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Gabriel Arias goes opposite field for a 2-run HR in the 3rd inning for @Magallanes_bbc in the teams 9-to-8 win in the Venezuelan Winter League. Arias was in right field again tonight on defense. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/GiINkTwgHU
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 11, 2025
He has showcased his power all season long in Venezuela, with nine round-trippers in 38 games there.
Arias had his chance at the MLB level last year with 53 games and 161 plate appearances, but was demoted to Triple-A due to a horrible 70 wRC+.
That’s when his road to redemption started.
In Columbus, he hit .317 with a 130 wRC+ in 43 contests, a much better output than he had in Cleveland.
He then put up a .911 OPS in 27 regular season games with Tiburones in the LVBP, only to show a .864 mark in 11 postseason contests with Magallanes.
He looks like a completely different hitter.
His versatility might give him a chance to earn the second base gig, or even a starting job in right field.
A super utility job is also in play for him, since he can cover so many positions.
As long as he continues to hit like this, make no mistake: the Guardians will find at-bats for him.
NEXT: Guardians Ace Reveals He Was Close To Leaving Cleveland
