Cubs Claim Infielder Gabriel Arias from Mets, Transfer Phil Maton to 60-Day IL
This is basically just a matter of creating some defensive depth with Dansby Swanson on the shelf for at least four weeks, so take it for what it’s worth.
The Chicago Cubs claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from the New York Mets. In a corresponding move, the Cubs transferred right-handed pitcher Phil Maton to the 60-Day injured list.
Arias, 26, is batting .235 (31-for-132) with three doubles, five home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs, seven walks and four stolen bases in 44 games between Cleveland and New York this season. The right-handed hitter appeared in 42 games for the Guardians, batting .244 (31-for-127) with a .284 on-base percentage and a .386 slugging percentage, before being claimed off waivers by the Mets on August 7. He appeared in two games for New York and was designated for assignment by the Mets on Monday.
Arias has appeared defensively at all four infield positions this season, including 28 games at third base, 11 at shortstop, two at second base and two at first base. During his major league career, he has also appeared at all three outfield positions.
Arias is hitting .218 (235-for-1,079) with 53 doubles, four triples, 30 home runs, 111 RBI, 117 runs, 76 walks and 21 stolen bases in 364 career major league games, all but two of which came with Cleveland. He owns a career .274 on-base percentage, .358 slugging percentage and .632 OPS.
In 2025, Arias established career highs in games played (129), hits (95), doubles (25), home runs (11), RBI (54), runs (44) and stolen bases (8). He appeared in 122 games during his first extended major league season in 2023, recording 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 26 RBI.
A native of La Victoria, Venezuela, Arias made his major league debut with Cleveland on April 20, 2022. He was originally signed by San Diego as an international free agent in July 2016 and was acquired by Cleveland in August 2020 via trade.
Maton, 33, was originally placed on the 15-day injured list on July 20 with right knee tendinitis.
