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.
The best of the week.
— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) June 5, 2023
Michael Arias has taken home the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week award!
Arias tossed five no-hit innings on Wednesday against the Salem Red Sox with six strikeouts.#MBPelicans | #NextStartsHere pic.twitter.com/patOBhEQes