BRIDGEWATER – It wasn't long ago that Roderick Arias was viewed as the poster child for the Yankees' international scouting misses. Signed out of the Dominican Republic for $4 million, the second-largest bonus in the 2021-22 international free agent class, Arias produced underwhelming results early in his professional career. For a high-upside switch-hitting shortstop who won't turn 22 until later this year, however, his 2026 season may prove that patience was all that was required. After falling completely out of the Yankees' Top 30 prospect rankings following a .208 season at Low-A Tampa in 2025, the San Pedro de Macoris native has revived his prospect status with strong performances at High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. Arias entered Aug. 13’s game hitting .277 and had already matched a career high with 13 home runs between the two levels. More: Yankees prospect Luis Durango Jr. rising fast with unusual style What's changed? "Focus was a big part of it," Arias said through Patriots coach and translator Uziel Viloria. "Hitting and defensively, it was about maturing with the way I go about my work. Compared to prior years, I'm in a way better spot. I've matured and have a way better idea of how to continue moving up."
A natural shortstop, Arias has spent most of his time there in the Yankees organization but has developed added versatility this season. He started 68 games at third base for Hudson Valley and has already appeared at second base, shortstop and third base since his promotion to Somerset earlier this month. "I had a chance to coach him in the Florida Complex League and Tampa and now here, and he's a special athlete," Somerset manager James Cooper said. "Hopefully we can continue to develop him and get him what he needs, and we think he'll be a special one for us moving forward. He'll play all three positions here. When you zoom out, you look at what he's done offensively, and he's hit for more power now than he did a couple years ago. "Over this last stretch, the swing-and-miss and the strikeouts are lower than what they used to be at this time of the season. I think it's the culmination of player development pouring into him, him figuring out what he needs to play and also him making those adjustments." Carlos Rodón sharp in likely final Somerset rehab start Three-time All-Star Carlos Rodón looked ready for a return to the Yankees on Thursday night. More: Yankees pitchers under more pressure now as playoff race tightens Making his latest rehab start after being placed on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, Rodón needed just 58 pitches, including 41 strikes, to throw 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Aug. 13.
The 33-year-old left-hander allowed two hits and one walk while striking out seven. Although he has not yet been fully stretched out, Rodón appeared ready to rejoin the Yankees rotation for his next outing. He said afterward he was uncertain about the team's plans. "The goal was to go out there and throw as many strikes as I could and be efficient," Rodón said. "Five outs, 58 pitches. As far as what's next, not sure. "Obviously, I would love to be able to compete and help our team win, but that's not up to me. I feel like I'm always ready to get big league hitters out." This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Yankees prospect Roderick Arias revives career with Somerset