Roderick

Arias

Arias’s homer to right-center would have remained in most ballparks, but it was a well-hit ball at 104.2 mph. His single was also a nice line drive. Arias was rated as the top prospect in the 2022 international class, but he’s been a disappointment in the Yankees organization, particularly in hitting .208/.325/.315 in his second year in Low A ball last season. Of course, he’s still just 21 and has plenty of time yet to turn it around.

Arias put together one of the best performances of his young career in this one as he’s started to show some really encouraging signs over the last few weeks in the lower minors. The 19-year-old was the top-ranked international prospect from the 2022 signing class and received a $4 million signing bonus from the Yankees. He’s several light years away from the majors still, at just 19 years old, but he’s finally starting to make some noise.

Arias, who signed for $4 million back in January and is widely regarded as the top prospect in the most recent international signing period, has been sidelined recently due to an undisclosed injury. The 17-year-old shortstop prospect is expected to make his debut next month in the Dominican Summer League. He’s a long way from the majors, but he’s a prospect fantasy managers should keep tabs on moving forward.

The deal is official. Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that Arias will receive a $4 million signing bonus, but the club hasn’t confirmed. The 17-year-old shortstop is the consensus top international prospect of the signing period and could make a massive impact for the Yankees in a few years. He’s several hyperspace jumps away from the majors, but should be on the radar screens of fantasy managers in keeper and dynasty league formats.

Sanchez was the first to report that the two sides had originally agreed to a $3.5 million signing bonus. He also notes that the organization has not confirmed whether Arias will receive more than his initial report. The 17-year-old shortstop is universally-regarded as the top-ranked international prospect in the current signing period and will become one of the top-ranked prospects in the Yankees’ organization once the deal is finalized.

The consensus top-ranked international prospect of the signing period -- delayed until January 15 for the second consecutive season -- according to MLB Pipeline, Arias projects as an eventual franchise cornerstone in New York. The 17-year-old infielder is a talented defensive shortstop, who displays an advanced approach at the plate, and also possesses above-average speed, which should enable him to steal plenty of bases in the future. He’s light years away from the majors, but should be on fantasy managers’ radar screens, especially in keeper and dynasty league formats.