5 underrated prospects - Michael Arias
At 21 years old, Cubs prospect Michael Arias has begun a breakout campaign in Myrtle Beach with the team's Low-A affiliate. He has started 11 games, notching a 2.55 ERA and an impressive 2.88 FIP in 42.1 IP. In comparison to last year in the Complex League, where he notched a 4.85 ERA and 7.12 FIP, though it was a small sample size of 13 innings, it doesn't take a deep dive to realize he clearly found something this year that's been working for him.
What I like most so far about Arias is his strikeout numbers. He has recorded a 37.2 strikeout percentage throughout his 64 punchouts so far. With a batting average against of .164 and a K/9 of 13.61, he has all the making to be a key starter once he gets further stretched out. He was recently named Pitcher of the Week and has high promise to keep building off what he started this season.