The New York Yankees have secured a new pitching prospect by trading with the Chicago Cubs for minor-league right-hander Michael Arias, who was previously designated for assignment. In exchange, the Yankees sent cash considerations to the Cubs. Arias, 23, has shown promise in his minor-league career, boasting a 4.25 ERA and 227 strikeouts in 182 innings across 97 appearances. Last season, he recorded a 4.77 ERA while striking out 72 batters in 60.1 innings across Double-A and Triple-A.

With a fastball reaching the mid-to-upper 90s, along with a developing slider and changeup, Arias was ranked as the Cubs' No. 18 prospect. He is now added to the Yankees' 40-man roster, which currently has 38 players. This marks the second trade between the Yankees and Cubs this offseason, following a deal that sent Cody Bellinger to New York.

The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move in their pitching lineup by designating Michael Arias for assignment and signing Colin Rea. Following this, the New York Yankees confirmed the trade to acquire Arias for cash considerations. The young pitcher, originally signed as a shortstop in the Dominican Republic, was transitioned to pitching in 2021.

Arias, now 23, holds a minor league career ERA of 4.25 and made his Triple-A debut last season. Despite some potential, he has struggled with control, averaging 7.2 walks per nine innings in the previous season, although he boasts an impressive strikeout rate of 11.2 K/9.

His undersized 6-foot, 155-pound frame raises questions about durability and may restrict him to a bullpen role. As the No. 18 prospect in the Cubs' farm system, his release comes as a surprise to many, indicating the team's shift in strategy.

The Chicago Cubs have officially signed right-hander Colin Rea to a one-year contract worth $5 million. This agreement also includes a $4.25 million salary for the 2025 season along with a $6 million club option for 2026, which comes with a $750,000 buyout. The Cubs made the announcement and subsequently designated right-hander Michael Arias for assignment to accommodate Rea on the 40-man roster.

This contract marks a reunion for Rea and Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who managed him during his previous stint with the organization in 2020. During that season, Rea made nine appearances, registering a 1-1 record and a 5.79 ERA. Rea, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches, has had a varied career, including a brief stint in Japan in 2022 before returning to the Milwaukee Brewers. In the 2023 season, he achieved a commendable 12-6 record with a 4.29 ERA over 27 starts and five relief appearances, contributing to the Brewers' NL Central title.

Prior to his return to the Cubs, Rea became a free agent when the Brewers declined a $5.5 million club option on him, resulting in a $1 million buyout. Originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2011 draft, Rea made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2015. The Cubs' acquisition of Rea adds depth to their pitching rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs have officially signed right-hander Colin Rea to a one-year, $5 million contract, which includes a $4.25 million salary for 2025 and a $6 million club option for 2026 with a $750,000 buyout. The team made the announcement on Monday, and to accommodate Rea, they designated right-hander Michael Arias for assignment.

This marks a reunion for Rea with Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who previously managed him during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rea had a brief stint with the Cubs in 2020, appearing in nine games with a 1-1 record and a 5.79 ERA.

After spending the 2021 season in Milwaukee and then pitching in Japan in 2022, Rea returned to the Brewers, where he had a strong 2023 season, boasting a 12-6 record with a 4.29 ERA over 32 appearances. His contract with Milwaukee was declined, making him a free agent. Arias, who is 23, has been playing in the minor leagues with a 4.77 ERA in 49 relief appearances.