The Chicago Cubs have made a trade with the New York Yankees, dealing right-handed pitching prospect Michael Arias for cash. The 23-year-old was designated for assignment earlier this week, when the Cubs made room on the 40-man roster after signing free agent pitcher Colin Rea.

Arias, who made 22 starts in the lower levels of the minor leagues during the 2023 season, gained some attention for some great stretches in A-Ball. He posted a 4.09 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 81.1 innings. However, the Cubs converted Arias to a full-time reliever in 2024, and once the right-hander reached Triple-A he struggled, ending the season with a 5.45 ERA in 36.1 innings with the Iowa Cubs.

The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Michael Arias from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) January 15, 2025

Arias originally came up as a shortstop in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He became a pitcher with the Cubs, who picked him up in 2021.

The Cubs also traded Miles Mastrobuoni to the Mariners for cash considerations on Tuesday.

(Previous Update)

The Chicago Cubs officially announced the signing of free agent starting pitcher Colin Rea on Monday and to make room on the 40-man roster the team let go of one of their hard-throwing pitching prospects. Right-hander Michael Arias, who reached Triple-A during the 2024 season, was DFA’d.

Arias, 23, struggled last year as he recorded a 4.77 ERA in 60.1 innings. It was his first full season as a reliever after having success in the lower levels of the minor leagues as a starting pitcher. Arias made 33 appearances once he was promoted to Triple-A in 2024, and the numbers were not pretty. He had a 5.45 ERA with 46 strikeouts, while walking 36 batters in 36.1 innings.

Yes, Arias had previously shown some nasty stuff, baffling hitters with his change up, but as he pitched against better competition he was exposed on the mound. I’ll admit that when I first saw that the Cubs DFA’d Arias, I found it a bit surprising, given his age and arm-talent, but the scouting report probably wasn’t kind to the right-hander following his regression.

Cubs announce they have agreed to terms with right-hander Colin Rea on a one-year deal with a club option for 2026.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Michael Arias was designated for assignment.

— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) January 13, 2025

So, what now? Well, the Cubs could try to pass Arias through waivers and if the pitcher goes unclaimed the team could outright him to Triple-A, essentially retaining Arias on a minor-league deal. There’s a chance that the Cubs may have a trade in the works and they picked Arias to DFA because they know a team is interested in making a deal for the righty.

Arias is a converted shortstop, who only started pitching four years ago. So, who knows, maybe he has plenty of room to grow with the Cubs or with a different organization. We’ll see in a few days where Arias eventually ends up.