MLB analyst believes Oswald Peraza to be a longtime fit in New York Yankees infield - "future potential shortstop of the Yankees"
After playing some electrifying games with the New York Yankees during the close of the 2022 season, Oswald Peraza became a popular topic of conversation. He proved his might with both the bat and in defense (infield and outfield).
The Yankees are nearing spring training with a hole in left field that they still find difficult to fill. But barring that, the Yankees have done some amazing business this offseason, which puts them right in contention to play for the AL division title with all their might.
"He has been the guy that might be the future potential shortstop of the Yankees for a long time," Mike Rosenstein via nj.com reported.
While the Yankees have struggled to find a reliable outfielder, many fans and MLB analysts believe that Oswald Peraza, a 22-year-old Venezuelan, will be their longterm fit at shortstop. Four players entered the race for the shortstop job: Peraza, Gleyber Torres, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Oswald Cabrera, with general manager Brian Cashman saying that the position was open for competition.
Oswald Peraza played only 18 games in 2022, but in those games he slashed .306/.404/.429 with an .833 OPS and a 146 wRC+
Looking forward to watching him as the Yankees starting shortstop in 2023 https://t.co/zGuu2FH1BG
"Oswald Peraza played only 18 games in 2022, but in those games he slashed .306/.404/.429 with an .833 OPS and a 146 wRC+ Looking forward to watching him as the Yankees starting shortstop in 2023," YankeesMuse tweeted.
Oswald Peraza might be longterm solution for Yankees
As training camp begins on Feb. 16 with the arrival of pitchers and catchers, rookie Oswald Peraza will be the early front-runner for the shortstop position when the position players arrive five days later.
The Venezuelan is a top three Yankees prospect who, while playing Triple-A ball last season from April to August, appeared ready at the plate, on the bases and on the field.
OSWALD PERAZA YOU CANT MAKE IT UP HAHA WHAT A PLAY https://t.co/Ex0mz8fzJI
"OSWALD PERAZA YOU CANT MAKE IT UP HAHA WHAT A PLAY," Dan Rourke tweeted.
However, nothing changed when he received his first call-up to the major leagues in September. Albeit playing only 18 games for the Yankees last season, he showed real character with his hits on the plate and played some amazing defense at shortstop.
One of the main reasons Peraza should be called up by the Yanks for the long term is his exceptional play at shortstop. He posted a stellar 0.97 fielding percentage with just nine errors in 310 chances at Triple-A last season.
He handled all 43 chances for the Yankees throughout the regular season, defended flawlessly in Game 2 of the ALCS with two more standout performances and did well overall during the postseason schedule.