SARASOTA, Fla. – For Leandro Arias, spring training is all about finding ways to grow personally and professionally.
In 2022 at just 17-years-old, the Dominican infielder signed a US $600,000 minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, leaving his home in Santiago to begin his life as a full-time athlete.
Moving away at a young age can come with its challenges, but Arias has already begun to adjust to his new life in the United States.
“Signing with the Orioles was a very important day for me,” Arias said through a translator, at the team’s minor league complex. “It was a very complicated moment in my life, but I’ve started to get used to it because I’m doing what I love.”
After a successful 2022 campaign in the Dominican Summer League, he was promoted to the Florida Complex League in 2023 where he batted .271 BA/.370 OBP/.414 SLG.
Arias attributed his recent success to his off-field habits and his mental preparation. “I’ve improved my game by just working on my mindset and have been very intentional with all of the things I do.” Arias said. “I want to keep growing and learning more in this camp.”
Anthony Villa, newly appointed Director of Player Development for the Orioles, spoke highly of the 19-year-old’s development in his short time with the organization.
“Arias is a very tooled-up middle infielder,” Villa said. “He’s got this nice combination of contact and power at the plate, so we’re really excited to get him some more experience.”
Arias is entering the 2024 season as the 16th-ranked prospect for the Orioles according to MLB.com, jumping up one spot from their 2023 rankings.
As one of the youngest players joining the Orioles in Florida this spring, the discipline he’s seen from the older players has been the biggest takeaway for Arias.
“It’s been a very positive experience, and I’ve learned a lot from how my teammates work,” he said. “My focus is just preparing mentally and physically to have a strong season.”