Missing starpower, Puerto Rico turns to Arroyo for infield production

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There is no shortage of star shortstops from Puerto Rico, but the list of available players for that position quickly dwindled when their World Baseball Classic squad was putting together its roster.

Then Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo, who was ranked No. 8 in the organization last season by MLB Pipeline, received an invitation.

“I hope I play a lot for them. It will be an honor," Arroyo said. "It’s a blessing to be named one of the players. They called me one of the last days [before the roster deadline]. I’m glad I have the opportunity.”

Francisco Lindor of the Mets was kept from participating because he couldn't get insured after a minor offseason surgery on his right elbow. Once declared out, Lindor also had left hand surgery recently to repair his hamate bone.

“I didn’t know if he was going to play or not. Now he’s injured, so either way, I think I was going to get an opportunity," Arroyo said. "Hopefully he gets better from the surgery. I’m going to do my best and do my job.”

Also unable to play for Puerto Rico was the Astros' Carlos Correa, who had an injury history that also prevented him from getting insurance.

Tigers shortstop Javier Báez was prevented from participating because of a suspension for a positive drug test for marijuana following the last WBC in 2023, which carried through this year’s tournament. He would not have been suspended under current MLB rules, but international baseball rules are different.

Only 22, Arroyo will get his chance to show what he can do on an international stage.

"For a younger kid, this can be a really good experience," Reds manager Terry Francona said.

Over 120 games at Double-A Chattanooga in 2025, the switch-hitting Arroyo batted .284/.345/.371 with three home runs, 44 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. In 16 winter ball games in Puerto Rico, he batted .355 with an .896 OPS.

It was an important season for Arroyo, who missed all of the 2024 season after needing left shoulder surgery. He was injured diving back to first base in a Cactus League game vs. the Giants.

Arroyo missed the first couple of weeks of the '25 season with a left hamstring strain.

“I wish I was a little more healthy at the beginning," he said. "After that, I could handle it and played the whole year. I think that was good. I learned from 2024 that if you’re not healthy, you can’t do anything. I’m healthy now and ready to go.”

More known for his sterling defensive play than his bat, Arroyo made a key adjustment that gave him better results. He changed his approach and swing path.

“It was putting the ball more in the air. I was trying to do that," Arroyo said. "I had a lot of hits last year even though I was a little hurt so I couldn’t just go to second [base]. But I’m healthy this year. I know good things are going to happen.

“Just hit the ball hard, wherever it goes. Don’t try to force a hit.”

Arroyo likely will begin this season with Triple-A Louisville. He is blocked at shortstop by two-time All-Star Elly De La Cruz.

When Arroyo returns to camp after the tournament, Francona will give him reps at both shortstop and second base, where he played 12 games last season.

The wait for a big league promotion could require patience.

“I think we try to be really honest with guys," Francona said. "There’s going to be a need. We don’t know when it is. Go knock the door down. It might not be on your timetable, but if you can help us, you’ll get here.”

Arroyo will play in front of a friendly crowd for the first round of the WBC since Pool A is in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 6-11. Also in the group are Canada, Colombia, Cuba and Panama.

If Puerto Rico advances, it would play next in Houston at the Astros' home, Daikin Park.

“I’ve never played on a big league field, so that would be fun," Arroyo said.

No matter what happens while he is away from Reds camp, Arroyo will get more at-bats for Puerto Rico than he would have likely gotten in Arizona. That could set him up for success during the regular season.

“I haven’t been in the bigs, but I know the competition is going to be like a big league competition," Arroyo said. "I will do my job and open their eyes so they know I’m ready for the competition.”