Last night’s game against the Mets told you everything you need to know about the Yankees’ infield situation—and if you were watching closely, you probably had the same thought I did: if Anthony Volpe truly had elite range, he’d have been the one making that play. But he wasn’t. Oswald Peraza was. And that, folks, is the difference.
The Yankees, who have temporarily lost Oswaldo Cabrera to injury, made the correct and only choice to fill the void: Oswald Peraza. Not only does he share half a name with Cabrera, but he also shares something even more important—a glove that seems to come straight from the baseball gods.
What a play by Oswald Peraza! pic.twitter.com/am7jB23Ajs
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 16, 2025
Peraza didn’t waste any time reminding fans why he’s one of the most defensively gifted prospects in the organization. During the Yankees’ 6–2 win over the Mets, Peraza laid out with full extension to rob Pete Alonso of a hit—snagging a ball that had base knock written all over it. That diving play wasn’t just a web gem; it was a resume submission for permanent residence on the Yankees' roster.
Let’s be clear: defense matters. A lot. And Peraza’s is legit. He’s not just a guy with a decent glove—he’s a guy who’s been scouted and praised for having range, a strong arm, and defensive instincts that make him look like he was born to wear the pinstripes. Scouts have repeatedly said he’s major-league ready defensively, and some have even dared to call him the Yankees’ best glove in the system. You don’t get that kind of label unless you’re doing something right on dirt.
Meanwhile, Volpe’s range—despite the fanfare—sometimes feels like it's more reputation than reality. Look, Volpe has tools. He's a gamer. But if we're being honest, plays like the one Peraza made against the Mets? That’s shortstop territory. And if your shortstop isn’t the guy getting there... well, maybe he shouldn’t be the shortstop.
Peraza may not have Volpe's media hype machine humming behind him, but he doesn’t need it. The glove speaks. Loudly. And right now, it’s saying: “I'm the best defender on this infield.”
The Yankees beat the Mets with big performances from Carlos Rodón, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Luke Weaver—but it was Peraza’s glove that stole a key moment and may have saved a run.
He’s holding it down at third base right now, but don’t be surprised if he starts making a case for more. The Yankees might’ve found their perfect temporary solution for Cabrera—but they may have also rediscovered something even more valuable: the guy they should’ve been playing more all along.
Just saying.
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