Oswald Peraza is doing everything right this season, and while the sample size is small, let’s be real: even if he rattles off 30 straight hits in 30 at bats, it probably won’t be enough to save his Yankees career. The unfortunate truth? The writing's been on the wall for a while now. Peraza is out of options, and the Yankees' front office operates in a way that doesn't always reward merit. It’s not fair, but it’s the cold reality of how this team functions.
So far in 2025, Peraza has been used sparingly—just four games, six plate appearances. But he’s made the most of them, going 3-for-6 with a home run and a double. For a player who’s battled inconsistency and injuries, that kind of start should be cause for optimism. Instead, it feels like a countdown.
DJ LeMahieu’s return is on the horizon, and when that happens, someone has to go. Logic says Peraza will be the odd man out, likely designated for assignment—not because of his play, but because LeMahieu’s contract demands a spot, even as his production lags and his injury history piles up. It's frustrating, but it's business.
There’s still a sliver of hope. If Peraza continues to hit, maybe he forces the Yankees' hand and earns more playing time. Maybe Oswaldo Cabrera ends up sliding into a utility role instead like I've been suggesting all along. Fansided recently pointed out the silver lining for Peraza: “The only good news here is that Peraza might be boosting his trade value.” That feels spot on. The kid clearly wants to wear pinstripes, but in the end, this is a business.
Have the Yankees handled Peraza fairly? It’s debatable. He’s had chances, yes, but it often feels like they expect perfection from him—something they don’t always demand from others. Gleyber Torres, for example, was pushed out and now seems much more relaxed in Detroit. You could easily see Peraza following a similar path: struggling to find his place in the Bronx, only to thrive once he’s out of their system.
Time will tell what happens, but if this is the end for Peraza in New York, it won't be because of his talent—it’ll be because of the same frustrating pattern we’ve seen before.