The New York Mets made an interesting roster move Friday, claiming versatile infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians just days after completing a sweep of Cleveland. The move gives New York another defensive utility option as the club continues to adjust its roster following the Trade Deadline.
Arias, 26, was designated for assignment by the Guardians earlier in the week after Cleveland decided to promote infielder Angel Genao from Triple-A Columbus. Rather than allowing Arias to move on freely, Cleveland placed him on waivers, giving another organization the opportunity to claim him. The Mets ultimately stepped in and secured his services.
The timing of the transaction is notable because Arias’ final appearance with Cleveland came against the Mets on Tuesday, when he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Shortly afterward, New York swept the Guardians, and Arias was then claimed by the very team he had just faced.
Arias has spent parts of five seasons in the Major Leagues with Cleveland after joining the organization in the 2020 trade that sent right-hander Mike Clevinger to the San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and appeared in 362 games for the Guardians, producing 30 home runs, 53 doubles, four triples and 111 RBIs.
His offensive production has been inconsistent, however. In 42 games this season, Arias hit .244/.284/.386 with five home runs, 11 RBIs and four stolen bases. He struck out 57 times in 127 at-bats, continuing a strikeout trend that has followed him throughout his career. In 2025, he struck out 162 times in 432 at-bats.
Across his Major League career, Arias owns a .219/.275/.359 batting line, translating to a .635 OPS, 76 OPS+ and 77 wRC+. Those numbers indicate that his greatest immediate value to New York is unlikely to come from his bat.
Instead, the Mets appear to be betting on his defensive versatility and athletic ability.
Arias has experience playing virtually every position on the diamond other than catcher and pitcher. He has made 174 starts at shortstop, 64 at third base, 29 at second base and 16 at first base. He has also spent time in the outfield, including 17 starts in right field, two in center and one in left.
His extensive experience at shortstop is particularly valuable. Arias has logged nearly 1,484 innings there during his Major League career, along with 572⅓ innings at third base, 261⅓ at second and 181⅔ at first.
Another appealing aspect of Arias’ defensive profile is his throwing arm. He ranked in the 94th percentile in arm strength during the 2025 season and remained impressive this year, ranking in the 85th percentile. That type of arm strength gives the Mets additional flexibility when deploying him around the infield and potentially in the outfield.
There are some roster-management complications, though. Arias missed approximately eight weeks this season because of a left hamstring injury, and he is currently out of minor league options. He also has more than three years of Major League service time, meaning he will become eligible for salary arbitration following the season.
Still, the move makes sense for a Mets organization that had open space on its 40-man roster following several Trade Deadline transactions. Arias could potentially fill the roster spot currently occupied by Cristian Pache, depending on how New York structures its next series of moves.
The Mets are not necessarily acquiring Arias with the expectation that he immediately becomes an everyday starter. Rather, his value comes from giving interim manager Andy Green another player capable of filling multiple defensive roles while providing depth across the roster.
For Cleveland, the move represents the end of Arias’ five-year run with the organization. For New York, it is a low-risk opportunity to add a player with significant Major League experience, defensive versatility and a strong throwing arm.
The timing only adds another layer to the story: the Mets swept the Guardians, and almost immediately afterward, they claimed one of Cleveland’s former infielders off waivers. Now, Arias will have the opportunity to turn the page and potentially carve out a new role with the Mets as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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