Holy Cow! The Yankees Just Signed A Shortstop!

No… Don’t get too excited. Yet, this could be something that could turn into a great move for the franchise in the long run. I mean anyone can peak and grow, right? Whenever I make a statement like that, I think of Derek Jeter, who clearly excelled from a potential to the real thing. So, back to the signing…the Yankees have grabbed the top prospect on the international market. And he happens to play shortstop. 

“According to industry sources, the club has agreed to a $4 million deal with shortstop Roderick Arias, the No. 1 international prospect in the class. The Yankees, who have a base signing pool of $5,179,700, have not confirmed the agreement,” reported MLB.com. 

January 15th matters, according to MLB.com, because it is the day when “hundreds of international prospects will take the next step in their development when they sign with big league clubs on the first day they’re eligible to do so.” International signings continue through December 15, 2022. But what’s cool about this is that Yankees picked up a guy who exhibits terrific defense and what MLB.com is calling “above-average bat-to-ball skills and strike zone awareness.” The Dominican Republic native ”shows good plate discipline and doesn’t swing and miss often.” 

Player development will be key and likely will start with Tampa Tarpons, the low Class A affiliate of the Yankees and the newest Yankee manager, Rachel Balkovec. I can’t help but think of the scene from the 2012 movie Trouble With The Curve with Amy Adams’ keen eye for talent, as she identifies an unknown pitcher for an impromptu tryout. Balkovec is well respected. Working with her and helping this young man move through the ranks has a recipe for success. 

Meanwhile at the gym, Yankees current shortstop is found working out to stay competitive and focused, despite the clear deficiency he has demonstrated over the last year and half. This signing might help motivate Gleyber Torres to push himself harder to improve defensively and swing a better bat in 2022.

The positive news is that the Yankees signed the top prospect in the international market, positioning them with a guy who is above average in defense, offense and speed. On the flip side, he is likely not ready for prime time, but he will “study” under Balkovec in the Yankee system. Oh and the Mets signed the second top prospect, so there’s that too! 

–Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof