Andry Arias

Position: 1B
Level: Instructs
Affiliate: Nationals Instructs
League: Instructional League
Born: 06/19/2000 (Age: 23)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 180
B/T: Left / Left
Acquired: Signed as international free agent July 2, 2017 (WAS)

Prospect Spotlight

Arias was part of the Nationals 2017-2018 J2 class, signing from the Dominican Republic. He has yet to make his stateside debut but put up strong numbers in the DSL this summer, slashing .270/.360/.412 with enthusing strikeout and walk rates for his age. I was impressed with his offensive upside and remaining physical projection during a quick Instructional League look.

At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Arias has a tall, lean body that still has strength to gain. His actions are loose and coordinated, and though he’s listed primarily as a 1B, Arias has played corner outfield and looks athletic enough to avoid being landlocked early in his career. A smooth, balanced lefty stroke looks like it could hit for both average and power down the road. Arias’ rhythm and timing were sound, allowing advanced zone awareness and a mature presence in the batter’s box. Arias would be starting his senior year of high school if he were draft eligible, so patience will be important. It’s unlikely he starts 2019 anywhere but Extended Spring Training but should join a Short-Season affiliate stateside by next summer. He’s an interesting deep sleeper prospect in a Nationals system that has stockpiled quite a bit of Latin American talent in recent seasons.