MAJOR BREAKING: Yankees confirm the signing of top talented fireballer to bolster bullpen depth

Brian Cashman, the New York Yankees’ general manager, has prioritized the bullpen this offseason.

It began with the signing of Devin Williams, who would presumably serve as the Yankees’ closer. A week later, Cashman opted to take a chance on Fernando Cruz, a reliever who has struggled in the majors but had a stunning 109 strikeouts in just 66.2 innings in 2024. This move coincided with the re-signing pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga, who had only thrown 21.2 innings over the previous two seasons.

Now it appears Cashman may have pulled off another pitching theft.

In a shocking move, the Chicago Cubs designated No. 18 prospect Michael Arias for assignment to make room for Colin Rea. Cashman seized the opportunity, sending money to the Cubs while bringing back a potential star reliever. Arias is now the Yankees’ number 29 prospect.

Arias and Cruz are extremely similar. Each has significant control issues but has demonstrated electrical components. Arias has a 2.55 ERA over 42.1 innings as a low-A starter in 2023. However, upon promotion to high-A later that year, he produced a terrible 5.77 ERA, which pushed his 2023 ERA to 4.09. In 2024, as a reliever, he failed to replicate his low-A success, posting a 4.77 ERA over 60.1 innings spanning AA and AAA.

On the good side, this total includes 72 strikeouts.
Arias’ repertoire consists of a fastball, slider, and changeup. On a scale of 20 to 80, each of his pitches is graded a solid 55. His control, on the other hand, is scored an unappealing 35. If the Yankees, particularly Matt Blake in his area of expertise, can resolve these concerns, the team will soon have another stud in its bullpen.

Arias’ scouting report notes that his fastball averages 94 to 97 mph and can reach 99 with plenty pitching life. His wiry delivery adds a layer of trickery to his electrifying arsenal, resulting in several whiffs, but it is also the source of his control issues.

Arias is 23 years old and is expected to debut in the majors next season. If he can throw with more consistency, we’ll probably see a lot of him in 2025.