5 prospects the Cleveland Guardians could see by the summer

By Chad Porto | Apr 13, 2023

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Zack Collins #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks back to the dugout after being called out on strikes in the second inning during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on September 27, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 11: Tyler Freeman #2 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with Steven Kwan #38 after a win over the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

IF Tyler Freeman

Jose Ramirez has no worries about losing his job at third base, even if he hasn’t hit a home run yet. That’s not the case for Gabriel Arias, the team’s utility infielder isn’t doing much to impress. Last year, Freeman played second base, shortstop, and third base for Columbus and Cleveland, while playing all three positions for Double-A Akron the year prior in 2021.

Freeman is adaptable, and a solid hitter. Over the last three seasons, across Double-A, Triple-A, and the Majors, he’s hit .282, and this year he’s staying consistent with that number in Triple-A Columbus, producing these splits; .263/.417/.395 and an OPS of .812.

They’re not mind-blowing figures, but considering these are Arias’ splits, .125/.222/.375, with an OPS of.597, it’s fair to say that he’s not doing anything to keep himself in Cleveland so far. What Arias is doing well in, so far, is his defense. He’s yet to commit an error this season, and he’s placed first, second, shortstop, and third base.

However, being good at defense will only get you so far in the major leagues, and if Arias continues to struggle at the plate, his great defense won’t be enough to save him. Not if the team around him continues to struggle as well.

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