What would it feel like to be the athlete staring at the biggest opportunity of his life? All he has to do is do what he has prepared for all of his life—be extraordinary. That is basically Oswald Peraza for the next several weeks into Opening Day. Shortstop is within his reach. He just has to go out there and perform, own the position and show the Yankees and his team what he can do.
"The sense is that the Yankees would love to see Peraza resoundingly win the job this spring, which would allow them to shift Isiah Kiner-Falefa into more of a utility role and provide Volpe with additional development time. Anthony Volpe logged just 99 plate appearances at Triple-A last season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him begin the year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and be in the mix for a midseason call up," reported MLB.com.
Peraza could give the Yankees just what they need—a consistent player both offensively and defensively in a lineup where everyone has to contribute. The Yankees can't afford to carry players who are just not going to endure the long season, improving instead of regressing. If Peraza can do what the Yankees know he can, then shortstop will be one less worry for them.
"Peraza, 22, impressed last September when he batted .306 (15-for-49) with three doubles, one homer, two RBIs and two stolen bases in 18 games; Boone trusted Peraza enough to draw a start in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Astros," reported MLB.com. If he can come in and perform at that level across the duration of the spring, he has himself a full-time job as the Yankees middle infielder.
And although the feeding frenzy around Manny Machado is starting to pick up some momentum, the Yankees could have all they need inhouse. "The six-time All-Star can opt out of his deal with San Diego after this season, and while the Padres also want to extend him, expect both New York teams to make a run at Machado if he tests the market. If that happens, it would be a second chance for the Yankees in particular after a lengthy free agency process following the 2018 season ended up going nowhere," reported SB Nation as informed by NJ.com.
The Yankees are betting on Peraza to be great this spring. I am too. The logic makes sense. His success gives the Yankees an alternative to the utility role in IKF and more time for Volpe to evolve. His success gives the Yankees time for development and opportunity to focus on the left field situation, which will most certainly be a situation given the track record of one Aaron Hicks. Look for a lot of reps for Peraza and Volpe this spring. And a lot of opportunity to beef up our middle infield!
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