Oswald Peraza’s situation with the Yankees represents a crossroads for both the player and the organization. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the team’s future infield, Peraza now finds himself in a precarious position, caught between unrealized potential and the harsh realities of roster management in the big leagues.
Challenges at the Plate
Peraza’s offensive numbers in AAA last season suggest a player struggling to find consistency. His .246/.341/.394 slash line and 94 wRC+ reflect a below-average bat, even at the minor league level. While he showed flashes of power with 13 home runs and added value with 24 stolen bases, the overall production was underwhelming for a player expected to push for a starting role in the majors.
For Peraza to secure a permanent spot on the Yankees’ roster, he’ll need to demonstrate significant improvement in key offensive areas:
- Plate Discipline: While his on-base percentage (.341) indicates some patience, refining his approach to cut down on strikeouts and increase quality contact will be essential.
- Power Output: His .394 slugging percentage underscores the need for more consistent gap-to-gap power, even if home runs remain secondary to his overall approach.
- Hitting for Average: A .246 batting average in AAA does little to inspire confidence at the MLB level, where pitching is far more challenging.
Strengths in Defense and Speed
Peraza’s glove is undoubtedly his strongest asset. His defense at shortstop is MLB-caliber, with excellent range, a strong arm, and the ability to make highlight-reel plays. Additionally, his speed and base-running acumen—evidenced by 24 steals in 2024—make him an asset in the modern game, where athleticism and versatility are highly valued.
If he can establish himself as a defensive specialist and contribute even modestly with the bat, Peraza could carve out a valuable role as a utility infielder or even challenge for a starting spot if injuries arise or if other players falter.
No More Room for Error
With no minor league options remaining, Peraza faces a pivotal spring training in 2025. If he fails to win a roster spot, the Yankees would need to place him on waivers, potentially losing him to another team. This reality could push New York to explore creative solutions, such as a trade, to avoid losing Peraza for nothing.
Path Forward
For Peraza to succeed, he’ll need to lean into his strengths while addressing his weaknesses:
- Seize Opportunity in Spring Training: A strong spring could force the Yankees’ hand and secure him a spot on the Opening Day roster, either as a backup infielder or in a platoon role.
- Maximize Defensive Value: Given his defensive prowess, Peraza could thrive as a utility player, capable of playing shortstop, second base, or even third.
- Show Growth with the Bat: Even incremental improvement offensively could make Peraza a valuable depth piece in a Yankees lineup that has struggled with injuries in recent years.
The Yankees’ Perspective
For the Yankees, Peraza’s situation highlights the challenges of balancing prospect development with immediate contention. Anthony Volpe’s emergence as the starting shortstop, coupled with Gleyber Torres’ consistency at second base, has blocked Peraza’s path. If Peraza shines this spring, he could push the team to make tough roster decisions, potentially involving trades to clear space or recalibrate their depth chart.
Ultimately, Peraza’s future hinges on his ability to prove he belongs in the major leagues. Whether that future lies in pinstripes or elsewhere, 2025 will be the defining chapter in his journey.
Oswald Peraza’s trajectory with the Yankees highlights the delicate balancing act of nurturing talent while pursuing immediate success in a competitive league. Despite his offensive inconsistencies, Peraza still offers significant value to the Yankees due to his defense, versatility, and the team’s current roster dynamics.
Why the Yankees Are Holding On
- Elite Defense:
Peraza’s glove remains his strongest selling point. His ability to handle shortstop and other infield positions with precision gives the Yankees a defensive safety net, particularly given the questions surrounding DJ LeMahieu’s durability and Anthony Volpe’s growing pains. - Versatility:
Manager Aaron Boone has long emphasized the importance of versatility in modern baseball. Peraza’s capacity to shift between second, shortstop, and even third base aligns well with Boone’s preference for flexible infield options, especially when injuries inevitably strike. - Limited Depth Options:
The Yankees’ infield depth lacks high-upside alternatives. DJ LeMahieu’s age and declining offense, coupled with Gleyber Torres’ potential as a trade candidate, leave holes that Peraza could fill. This makes holding onto him a strategic necessity unless a superior option is acquired. - Cost-Controlled Talent:
As a young player with a pre-arbitration contract, Peraza offers cost-effective value. For a team that balances massive contracts with budget-conscious decisions, retaining a player like Peraza provides roster flexibility.
The Stakes for Peraza
Spring training will be Peraza’s defining moment. The Yankees are offering him one final opportunity to stake his claim, and the stakes could not be higher:
- Competing for a Starting Role:
With LeMahieu’s decline and Torres’ uncertain future, Peraza could secure a spot at second or third base. Even if Volpe remains the primary shortstop, Peraza’s defensive prowess might push him into a utility role. - Proving Offensive Growth:
Defense alone won’t secure Peraza’s future in pinstripes. Improving his batting approach and showing consistency at the plate are crucial. A strong spring performance could silence doubts and solidify his place on the roster. - Avoiding the Waiver Wire:
With no minor league options remaining, Peraza’s failure to impress would likely mean exposure to waivers. Given his age and defensive reputation, another team would likely claim him, ending his Yankees tenure abruptly.
Outcomes for the Yankees
- If Peraza Succeeds:
A productive spring could see Peraza earn a utility role or even push for a starting infield position. This outcome would allow the Yankees to preserve their infield depth and possibly explore trade options involving other players. - If Peraza Falters:
Should Peraza fail to show growth, the Yankees may explore trading him before losing him on waivers. His value as a defensively elite, young infielder with upside could still yield a decent return in a deal.
Looking Ahead
Peraza’s journey embodies the challenges faced by prospects who fall short of immediate stardom. For the Yankees, he represents both a gamble on potential and a reflection of the team’s infield uncertainties. This spring training will be a crossroads for Peraza, deciding whether he becomes a key contributor in New York or seeks a fresh start elsewhere.
The Yankees’ commitment to giving him a final shot underscores their recognition of his talent. Whether that recognition turns into trust on the MLB roster will soon be revealed.
