Gabriel Arias Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Track Record: Arias was one of the top prospects in the 2016 international signing class and the Venezuelan native signed with the Padres. Early in his professional career, he stood out for his glove, but after an offensive breakout in 2019, his profile rose. He was traded to Cleveland in 2020 as a part of the deal for Mike Clevinger and Greg Allen. He made his major league debut in 2022, but his season was sidetracked by a broken hand that required surgery in May, costing him several weeks on the injured list.

Scouting Report: Arias is a good athlete with a lot of raw ability. The righthanded hitter has a smooth swing and his wiry strength and bat speed give him above-average power. He has a very aggressive approach at the plate, but he's been able to keep his strikeout rate in check in the upper levels of the minor leagues. Arias is never going to be an on-base machine, but he's made important strides since coming to the organization. Defensively, there have never been many questions about Arias. He has advanced infield actions, clean hands and above-average arm strength. Despite his below-average speed, he has plenty of range for the position and can make all the plays necessary.

The Future: The play of Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, in addition to Arias' injury, meant he was unable to break into the lineup in 2022. But the organization is approaching a critical juncture with its current infield logjam. Rosario is only under contract for one more season and Arias and Tyler Freeman have already logged significant time at Triple-A, with Brayan Rocchio close behind them. Arias is ready for a chance to prove himself in the big leagues, though finding that opportunity in Cleveland may not be easy.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.