Infielder Gabriel Arias has been one of the best prospects in the Cleveland Guardians organization for several years now.
He was acquired in 2021 in the Mike Clevinger trade with the San Diego Padres and had a promising season that year in Triple-A.
After that, his offensive development has stalled somewhat.
He has made the majors, and has a disappointing .207/.282/.348 line in 402 plate appearances, with 11 home runs and four stolen bases.
His 77 wRC+ (100 is considered league-average offense, so anything below that is not ideal) indicates his offensive shortcomings, even though his glove is good.
Even though he got to play 122 games for the Guardians this season, the organization decided to send him to winter ball in hopes he could get hot with the stick, learn, and build some confidence.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
“Arias in 26 games is hitting .222 with zero HR’s and a .563 OPS. 24-108, 7R, 9(2B), 7RBI, 2SB, 3BB, 25SO, .222 AVG, .563 OPS,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
Arias in 26 games is hitting .222 with zero HR's and a .563 OPS
24-108 7R 9(2B) 7RBI 2SB 3BB 25SO .222 AVG .563 OPS
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 29, 2023
Arias is playing in the Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC), Puerto Rico’s Winter League.
As you can see, the results have not been satisfactory.
The Guardians got Arias playing time at shortstop, first base, third base, second base, and even the outfield this year.
Considering the overall offensive picture in Cleveland, he might be running out of chances if he doesn’t start showing something with the bat.
The team needs quality hitters at several positions, so despite his defensive chops, Arias needs to hit if he is going to keep his place in the organization’s future plans.
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