WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OSWALD PERAZA?

With all the ongoing chatter about the Yankees still searching for a second baseman, third baseman, names like Nolan Arenado and even his Cardinals teammate Brendan Donovan continue to pop up in discussions. This is despite the fact that a month ago, Aaron Boone—dubbed "No Championships" Boone by Bleeding Yankee Blue—stated the team would go with DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera. Yet, the speculation hasn’t died down.

One name, however, seems to be quietly fading from the Yankees' infield conversation: Oswald Peraza. And it almost feels intentional. The Yankees appear to be in control of the narrative surrounding his role on the team, and whether he remains in favor seems to be a question they're steering.

Of course, this is just speculation—nothing more than my opinion—but the situation with Peraza feels off. He’s a dynamic defender, someone who grinds every day despite an already crowded Yankees infield. I admire his effort, but something about his standing with the team makes him look like the odd man out. One major factor working against him is that he's out of minor-league options. That alone puts immense pressure on him to make the major league roster because the Yankees can't simply send him down without exposing him to waivers.

Offensively, Peraza isn’t a standout. He’s a career .216 hitter, showing flashes at times but never enough to cement himself as a regular starter. But if hitting struggles were a deal-breaker, how did Joey Gallo ever stick around? The Yankees have endured worse at the plate, so that argument doesn’t completely hold up.

Then there’s Marcus Stroman, who—let’s be honest—hasn’t exactly been a quiet presence. With rumors swirling that he could be on the move now that he only wants to be a starter, could Peraza, Stroman, and maybe someone like Will Warren be part of a bigger package to acquire a dynamic infielder with both a bat and a glove? It’s pure speculation on my part, but I can’t shake the feeling that Peraza’s days in pinstripes are numbered. If Brian Cashman can use him as a trade chip, it might make sense for the Yankees to pull the trigger.

As with all things in baseball, we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out. But for now, keep an eye on Peraza—his future in the Bronx is anything but certain.