Here We Go Again: Yankees Mishandle Another Top Prospect with Peraza Experiment
It’s feeling like déjà vu in the Bronx — Miguel Andújar 2.0 is officially underway. Once again, the Yankees seem unable to accept that they’ve mishandled the development of a highly touted prospect, and now they’re scrambling to find a role for Oswald Peraza, even if it means pushing him further out of position and deeper into irrelevance.
According to NJ.com’s Max Goodman, Peraza has begun learning the outfield for the first time in his pro career, with a potential position change looming this summer. The idea? Add “depth” to a roster that currently has no use for him — not at his natural infield spots, and certainly not in the outfield.
Let’s be honest: Peraza is batting .160 with a dismal 51 OPS+ and has offered little more than infield flexibility. So the logic appears to be, “If he can’t contribute in the infield, why not try him somewhere he’s never played?” It’s a desperate move by a team that’s been functioning well in the outfield with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and a returning Jasson Dominguez.
What’s the Endgame Here?
Most expected Peraza to be cut from the roster once Giancarlo Stanton returned, but instead it was Pablo Reyes who got the boot — a move that likely just delayed the inevitable for Peraza. As the Yankees approach the trade deadline and look to upgrade, Peraza’s roster spot is hanging by a thread.
Sure, creative roster management is necessary in today’s game — but this feels like an overcorrection. The organization fumbled Peraza’s development from the start, notably when they handed Anthony Volpe the starting shortstop job in 2023 despite Peraza’s solid debut and even playoff experience. Injuries played a role too, but the clear lack of confidence from the front office derailed his trajectory. At 25, Peraza’s value to the Yankees has dwindled to little more than a name on the bench.
A Familiar (and Frustrating) Pattern
Now, instead of cutting ties and letting him start fresh elsewhere, the Yankees are clinging to the hope that he might still provide something — anything — to justify keeping him around. They’re afraid to sell low on a former top prospect, even if that means dragging out a situation that’s clearly run its course.
And what happens when he’s inevitably thrown into the outfield mid-season? Fans already endured growing pains with natural outfielder Jasson Dominguez, so imagine the reaction when a converted infielder misplays a ball in left field right before the All-Star break.
It’s hard not to feel like the Yankees are setting Peraza up for failure — again — and fans are bracing for yet another predictable meltdown.
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