The Cleveland Guardians have several of their roster members playing in Winter Leagues.
It’s a good way for players to keep themselves in shape ahead of spring training and earn some extra money.
Gabriel Arias, who plays the infield for the Guardians, might be having the most impressive winter among all members of the team.
He started off on fire in November and hasn’t stopped hitting ever since.
After another incredible performance, his numbers tell the story of an MVP candidate if he had more games in Venezuela’s Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional (LVBP).
“Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Gabriel Arias reached base 3x tonight (2-4 3RBI BB) driving in 3 runs for his club @Tiburonesbbc_ in the Venezuelan Winter League. Arias is currently hitting .325 with a 1.030 OPS over 21 games. 27-91 19R 8(2B) 6HR 21RBI 6BB 2SB .325 AVG 1.030 OPS,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians (INF/OF) Gabriel Arias reached base 3x tonight (2-4 3RBI BB) driving in 3 runs for his club @Tiburonesbbc_ in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Arias is currently hitting .325 with a 1.030 OPS over 21 games.
27-91 19R 8(2B) 6HR 21RBI 6BB 2SB .325 AVG 1.030 OPS… pic.twitter.com/wLyYT3nhm5
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 15, 2024
The Venezuelan league has seen an offensive spike as a whole this year, but a .325 batting average and a 1.030 OPS is impressive nonetheless.
It hasn’t been Arias’ best season with the glove, as he has committed many errors at multiple positions, but his bat has done some damage down in Venezuela.
It’s a continuation of a really impressive stretch he enjoyed in Triple-A before closing out the season.
Arias opened the year with the Guardians but was sent down in July after posting a 70 wRC+.
Then, in Columbus, he made adjustments and regained his confidence, hitting for an impressive 130 wRC+ in 43 games.
If he keeps up this level during the spring, it’s easy to see Arias winning some playing time at shortstop and other spots.
NEXT: Stats Say Andrés Giménez Leaves Huge Void In Guardians Infield
