The upside of a middle infielder with speed and pop is enough to put this 18-year old switch-hitter on the prospect list at #19.
Leandro Arias
Pos: SS/2B/3B
Bats: S
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 18
2023 Level: FCL
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 25/50
Game Power: 35/50
Raw Power: 45/60
Run: 60/60
Defense: 35/50 at 2B, 30/45 at SS, 20/40 at 3B
Most Likely Future Role: Utility guy
Ceiling: 1st Division Starting 2nd baseman,
What we know: Quietly put up a nice season down in Sarasota as he’s become the breakout middle infielder out of the strong J2 2022 signing class. At 6-foot-1 inches, he’s not a big guy but he has surprising raw power from both sides of the plate. He’s still trying to figure out how to bring it into games, but he did improve his ISO from .089 to .143 in a pitcher friendly Florida Complex League.
Most impressively he improved his approach at the plate walking as much as he struck out and putting up an impressive .381 WOBA and 110 wRC+. He upped his line drive rate to 19.6 while dropping his K rate from 21.6% last year to just 12.3%. Like a lot of young switch hitters, he’s more advanced at the plate from the left side of the plate and will need to improve on his right-handed stroke in order to stick as a switch-hitter.
Defensively he struggled once again on the left side of the infield despite an above average arm. He just commits too many errors and the game definitely looks too fast for him at 3B. His best position is second base by far, but the Orioles will continue to give him looks at SS and 3B, though his 3B stats are pretty brutal. With above average speed, a move to the outfield could be in order if he can’t stick on the dirt though his second base abilities have some promise.
What we don’t know: We never really have a feel for a young player until they get that full season under their belt so he’s on the list at this point because of the upside. Will his right-handed stick come around? Can he hit upper level pitching and velocity? Will he find a defensive home?
What we think: Arias has been the best so far of the International shortstops with Maikol Hernandez being a bust, Edwin Amparo having his struggles, and Luis Almeyda having shoulder issues so far. He’s shown the most so far with the bat and FCL season was a nice step forward for him. He’ll start 2024 in Delmarva as a 19-year old and we’ll have a better idea of who he is as a prospect after next year.