Oswald Peraza’s Time in Pinstripes May Be Running Out as Yankees Eye Trade Options
Despite multiple chances, Yankees third baseman Oswald Peraza hasn’t been able to seize the opportunity in front of him.
And with change on the horizon, the long-expected trade might finally be necessary.
The Yankees have seen lackluster results in what’s been an open competition at third base. DJ LeMahieu was originally set to be the everyday starter heading into spring training, but a calf strain has kept him out since March 1. In his absence, Oswaldo Cabrera has handled most of the work at third and has done a solid job.
Still, the Yankees would ideally prefer to take advantage of Cabrera’s defensive flexibility across multiple positions. That left the door open for Peraza to grab a more consistent role at the hot corner—but he hasn’t delivered. He’s batting just .217 with five hits in his first 23 at-bats this season, nearly mirroring his career average of .216 across 255 at-bats in parts of four seasons.
At this point, the Yankees may have to accept the reality: Peraza is likely best suited as a utility infielder—a light-hitting defender who can spot-fill at third, second, and shortstop, rather than a long-term starter.
It’s not exactly the trajectory the organization envisioned for Peraza when he was among their top prospects from 2020 to 2023. However, his pedigree, youth, and glove still make him a player of interest around the league—which presents the Yankees with a tough decision in the coming weeks.
LeMahieu, now 36, is making steady progress in his recovery and is slated to begin a rehab assignment soon. Manager Aaron Boone recently said LeMahieu has been taking live batting practice and playing some defense, with a rehab assignment expected to start either Sunday or Tuesday.
The Yankees have taken a cautious approach, not wanting to rush LeMahieu after his spring training absence, but they’re optimistic he’ll be back in the lineup sooner than later.
Once LeMahieu is ready, the Yankees will need to clear a roster spot—and Peraza is the obvious candidate. But there’s a complication: Peraza is out of minor league options. If the Yankees try to send him down, he’d have to pass through waivers, where a glove-first, 24-year-old former top prospect is almost certain to be claimed.
Rather than risk losing him for nothing, a trade seems more likely. Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media recently floated a potential deal that could benefit both sides. He pointed to recent comments from Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, who expressed interest in acquiring a young, athletic shortstop. Garcia believes the Yankees and Giants could work out a swap: Peraza to San Francisco in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mason Black.
Black, 25, was a third-round pick in 2021 and debuted with the Giants last season, finishing with a 6.44 ERA over 36.1 MLB innings. However, his Triple-A numbers have been far more promising—he’s struck out 178 hitters in 154 innings, showing a strong ability to miss bats.
Armed with a four-pitch mix—including a four-seam fastball, sinker, sweeping slider, and tighter gyro slider—Black keeps hitters off balance. His low arm angle adds deception, helping his fastball play up despite average vertical movement.
Given the Yankees’ current need for starting pitching depth, Black’s profile is a good fit. Plus, he still has minor league options—something Peraza no longer does—offering roster flexibility New York could really use.
All signs point to a potential parting of ways. If Peraza’s future isn’t in the Bronx, now may be the perfect time for the Yankees to turn a stalled opportunity into valuable pitching help.
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