Why there are early indications that Oswald Peraza won’t be guaranteed a spot on the Yankees squad.
TAMPA, Florida: The New York Yankees’ roster doesn’t hold much interest going into spring training. Last year, it was generally believed that former top prospect Oswald Peraza would break camp as the starting as their competition at shortstop continued through the end of spring training. That is not how it happened, as we now know. Peraza’s status with the Yankees right now is, at best, uncertain.
Peraza should theoretically have room on the 26-man roster for this season. His primary position in the minor leagues is shortstop, and neither second base nor third base have a clear backup plan.
Anthony Volpe’s rise to prominence in the previous season pushed Peraza to third base, where he would remain until 2023. According to Statcast, he had the 11th strongest arm at third base in the Major League Baseball and appeared natural as a corner infielder.
Peraza possesses an MLB-caliber glove at all three of his potential spots, but he hasn’t yet been able to translate his impressive minor-league offensive profile to the major leagues.
Peraza stated on Friday, “The numbers are not where I want them to be.”
Peraza concluded the previous season with a 53 wRC+ and a pitiful.539 OPS in 52 games. Peraza hasn’t been as successful in the majors as he was in Triple A, where he hit 33 home runs in 162 games over the previous two seasons. In 2023, his hard hit %, wOBA, sweet spot percentage, average exit velocity, and barrel percentage were all lower than the MLB average. Considering DJ LeMahieu’s age and versatility in positions, Peraza would probably play the most at third.
Regarding Peraza’s offensive potential, Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated, “He has the tools and the ability to do it.” The final phase can provide difficulties. Triple A is one item. He needs to overcome yet another layer, challenge, and step in order to perform it consistently at the major league level. His normal at-bat schedule hasn’t allowed him to perform like that in the major leagues.
This winter, Peraza said he had spent hours analyzing film, and he was mostly focused on improving his body balance at the plate. He claimed that because his mechanics weren’t in sync, there were far too many at-bats that ended poorly during the previous season. He thinks they’ve been fixed now. However, obtaining regular playing.
For a batter who still needs to grow, playing even twice a week is not the same. Because of this, Peraza may begin the season back in Scranton because he is eligible for a fourth minor league option this year. Interestingly, Boone gave a direct response when asked if he thought of Peraza as his main backup infielder.
