Gabriel Arias’ versatility could have huge impact on underperforming Guardians veteran

On October 15, 2022, Gabriel Arias made his postseason debut for the Guardians in Game 3 of that year’s American League Division Series. 

Although most of the attention was pointed at Airas’ 2-for-4 performance in a Guardians win, his defensive positioning was arguably just as important given he appeared at first base despite appearing there just one time in his short regular season cameo. 

He ended up playing in two more games at first in that series before the Guardians bowed out to the Yankees, which was a clear sign of trust from Cleveland’s front office that they thought he could hold his own at the position. 

Although he hasn’t played there much in the time since (39 appearances at first since the start of 2023), it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ended up seeing some time there soon thanks to José Ramírez’s impending return. 

And, if that were to happen, it seems like there’s a chance it could bring about the end of Rhys Hoskins’ time on the Guardians’ roster. 

Gabriel Arias' versatility could lead to Rhys Hoskins getting released

While Arias can play first base (3 Outs Above Average), there’s an argument to be made that the position isn’t the best use of his world-class defensive skills since so much of his skill comes from his incredible throwing arm (82nd percentile). 

But the Guardians may not have a choice on where to play him soon since there’s not going to be enough room in the inn once Ramírez makes his return. 

With Ramírez at third, Brayan Rocchio at shortstop and Travis Bazzana at second, Arias will once again be thrust into a utility role alongside Daniel Schneemann and David Fry.

Even if Ramírez may need more days off his feet while he plays his way back into shape, there’s not going to be a ton of room in the middle infield for Arias to roam, which makes a platoon with Kyle Manzardo at first the most attractive option. 

That game of revolving chairs could end with Hoskins being left out given how disappointing his season has been. 

Although he recorded a two-homer game on Monday in the Guardians’ blowout win over the Twins, he’s still hitting just .182/.314/.387 on the season with an OPS+ of 96. The fact he’s tied for the team lead in home runs (11) is more of an indictment on the lack of power in the Guardians’ offense than his offensive prowess. 

He has a stellar walk rate (15.3%) and has been good at barreling the ball (12.7% barrel rate), but he’s also striking out in 31% of his at-bats and is in the 1st percentile in expected batting average. 

While it may seem a bit silly to cut him after he just had a two-homer game, Cleveland’s front office is going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place when Angel Martínez and Ramírez return. 

Petey Halpin (who just had a two homer game of his own) seems like an obvious demotion for when Martínez returns, but Ramírez’s addition makes things a bit more complicated given Arias is out of options. 

While fellow rookie Khalil Watson is also an option to get sent down to the minors, doing that would put even more pressure on Schneemann and Fry to be everyday contributors instead of matchup weapons. 

Arias has had to go through a lot of change during his time with the Guardians, and Ramírez’s return could lead to another one that could cost Hoskins his spot on the roster.

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