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.