PERAZA NEEDS TO FOLLOW HIS DREAM AND STAY ON COURSE

What will end up happening to Oswald Peraza. A few weeks ago, I wrote about him and my theory that the Yankees will look to one day trade this guy. He's solid, but for some reason in my opinion, they don't love him. But there is probably a team out there who needs him for sure. And with Stroman still being floated out there and the Yankees not too into him either, it may make sense to package them for something that they need. 

Two spring trainings ago Aaron "No Championships" Boone stood in front of the media and swore up and down that the shortstop position was up for grabs. Wide open competition, folks! Best man wins! Of course, that was just the script handed down from the Yankees’ front office, and Boone, being the good company man, said his lines. But let’s be real—everyone and their grandma knew Anthony Volpe was the chosen one.

Meanwhile, Oswald Peraza was out there grinding, hustling, doing everything he could to earn a spot. The Yankees kept saying they loved Peraza, but actions speak louder than words. And let’s be honest, their actions screamed, "Meh." My opinion of course.

Peraza crushed it in Triple-A in 2022, got a September call-up, and hit .306 in 18 games. He even started Game 2 of the ALCS when the Yankees finally admitted they were sick of IKF. You’d think that would count for something, right? Nope. Because by the spring of ‘23, the Yankees were fully invested in the Volpe Hype Train.

Volpe, the kid from New Jersey, the 2019 first-round pick, the one with the conveniently timed photo of him and Derek Jeter as a kid floating around Yankee Universe. The marketing was impeccable, just like when the Yankees brought in Boone as manager and replayed his 2003 ALCS homer on an endless loop—never mind the fact that they didn’t even win the World Series that year.

So, while Volpe was handed the keys to the kingdom, Peraza was left fighting for scraps. And let’s be clear—this isn’t a dig at Volpe. He’s a good player. But the Yankees gave him all the time and patience in the world, while Peraza? Not so much.

Peraza knows what’s up. He’s out of minor league options, and he’s feeling the urgency. “This year is really, really important for my career,” he said. He wants to stay with the Yankees, even if it means riding the bench. "I love the Yankees. This is my dream.”

But dreams don’t always pay the rent, and the Yankees are locked in on Volpe. Peraza is willing to play second or third, but in his heart, he’s a shortstop. And the dude can field—he proved that in the minors.

Will the Yankees finally give Peraza a real shot, or will they ship him off to another team and watch him thrive elsewhere? No one knows yet, but one thing’s for sure—this kid deserves better than being an afterthought. 

Here’s hoping he gets a chance to shine, preferably in pinstripes.