For weeks, when he was helping carry the Cleveland Guardians lineup, the world of baseball just assumed that utility infielder Gabriel Arias was breaking out.
He looked better than ever at the plate, more mature and composed.
His at-bats were competitive, and as a result, he slashed a healthy .264/.313/.462 with a .775 OPS and a 118 wRC+ in the first month of the season.
But then, in May, he started to struggle again, much like he did in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Arias wrapped up the second month of the year by hitting a middling .220/.294/.275 with a .569 OPS and a 66 wRC+, well below the league average.
His last 17 games have been particularly concerning.
“Cleveland #Guardians (SS) Gabriel Arias numbers over 17 games since Brayan Rocchio was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. 10-59, 3R, 3(2B), 5RBI, 6BB, 23SO, AVG .169, OBP .269, SLG .220, OPS .489. Maybe the competition was beneficial for Arias?” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (SS) Gabriel Arias numbers over 17 games since Brayan Rocchio was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
10-59 3R 3(2B) 5RBI 6BB 23SO
AVG .169
OBP .269
SLG .220
OPS .489Maybe the competition was beneficial for Arias?
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 4, 2025
Perhaps, as the Guardians insider points out, Arias needed to actively compete for playing time.
Perhaps Rocchio’s demotion doesn’t have anything to do with Arias’ current slump, and pitchers have found a hole in his swing.
In any case, Arias needs to improve because he could be in danger of missing playing time himself if he doesn’t.
Juan Brito should regain full health eventually, and Angel Martinez could play the infield more often if Chase DeLauter or Petey Halpin are promoted, for example.
If the Guardians want to make it happen, they can replace Arias.
They are likely giving him a long leash after what he did for them earlier in the year, though.
They seem to believe in the talent.
It’s there, under the inconsistent surface.
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