Yankees Move On From Young Right-Hander Triple-A After Development Stalls
New York, New York. November 24, 2025
The New York Yankees have not made anything official, but league sources indicate the organization is preparing to move on from right-hander Michael Arias as part of a broader roster restructuring. The decision is expected to be finalized soon, marking the end of a brief but intriguing chapter for one of the system’s more athletic young arms.
Arias, 24, was considered a developmental project with upside ever since signing out of Venezuela. The right-hander quietly put together a strong 2025 campaign in the minors, appearing in 23 games and posting a 2.73 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A. His fastball showed life. His slider drew attention from scouts. And internally, the Yankees believed there was a path to a bullpen role if he continued trending upward. But despite flashes, the organization now appears ready to pivot.
According to multiple team insiders, the Yankees are clearing space for a wave of pitching prospects led by emerging talent Elmer Rodríguez, whose rise through the system has accelerated quicker than expected. With New York needing open 40-man roster spots ahead of winter moves, Arias is viewed as the most likely candidate to be non-tendered — a decision that would make him a free agent and allow the team to redirect resources without substantial financial impact. Arias was projected to make under $500,000 in 2026, but the roster spot itself is considered far more valuable than the salary.
The Yankees are also weighing potential trade conversations before any formal announcement. Several rival teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Arias as a low-cost, high-upside arm. While nothing is imminent, the possibility of a minor deal exists if a club wants to secure his rights before he hits the open market. For a team still dealing with luxury-tax restraints and planning to aggressively pursue upgrades on the major-league roster, even modest flexibility matters.
Inside the organization, the mood is mixed. Coaches who worked closely with Arias admired his work ethic and steady improvement throughout 2025. But roster pressure has intensified, especially with the Yankees prioritizing upper-level arms who can contribute immediately. As one team official put it privately, “We like Michael. But we have to make room. It’s a numbers game.”
While the Yankees have not yet issued a public statement, all signs point to a move that could be finalized in the coming days. For Arias, the next opportunity may come quickly — and for the Yankees, the decision signals a continued push toward restructuring their pitching depth as they enter one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent team history.
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