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Chicago Cubs trade top prospect to the New York Yankees

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 7:12 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs had designated top prospect Michael Arias for assignment earlier this week to make room for right-handed pitcher Colin Rea on their 40-man roster.

The 23-year-old Arias was the Cubs No. 18 overall prospect. Since being designated for assignment, it was only a matter of time before the Cubs found a suitor to trade him to, which came in the form of the New York Yankees.

The Cubs No. 18 prospect Micael Arias

The 23-year-old Michael Arias was the Cubs No. 18 overall prospect and was protected on the Cubs 40-man roster earlier this offseason. Michael Arias struggled in thirty-three relief appearances at Triple-A last season, where he had a 5.45 ERA. The sidewinding right-hander would have had a chance to be a really solid bullpen option for the Cubs, but unfortunately he was never able to throw strikes consistently.

Being he’s a sidewinder, his fastball will have a lot of run on it, and given he can get it up to around 98 mph in spurts, it could be an effective weapon for him. Sadly, the ability that Arias has will have to be with the Yankees.

The exchange

Arias was sent over to the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations, per MLB Trade Rumors . The Yankees needed another bullpen piece after losing Clay Holmes to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. Arias still has minor league options available, so that will give the Yankees some roster flexibility if he doesn’t pan out in spring training.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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