The Yankees are in love with Oswald Peraza’s swing, athleticism, and defense

oswald peraza, yankees

Gleyber Torres is, as things stand right now, the New York Yankees’ shortstop of the future, especially now that he worked on his conditioning during the offseason and looks lighter on his feet. The team is willing to give him every opportunity to show that he has the defensive range to play the position at least for the next five years or so.

However, the Yankees also know that they have to be prepared should Gleyber fail to defend his position adequately. Fortunately, they have a very promising teenager in the minor leagues that is shaping up as a future option at shortstop.

Currently rated as the fourth-best prospect on the Yankees by MLB Pipeline, Oswald Peraza’s arrow is pointing up.

Peraza went 0-for-2 in a little cameo during Grapefruit League play for the Yankees this week.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said to NJ Advance Media that he is “still a little ways away, but he’s a guy from a future standpoint that we’re about as excited as you can be.”

The Yankees’ glove-first shortstop of the future

Peraza’s profile is different than Gleyber. Torres is a bat-first, plus-power shortstop, whereas Peraza’s strength is his glove. He is considered a plus defender at a premium position, so the chances of him being an everyday player someday are quite high.

“He’s going to be able to stay as shortstop,” a pro scout told NJ Advance Media. “And the ball comes off his bat. In 2019, I saw the raw power in batting practice. But just the poise and the way that he carries himself and plays shortstop for a young kid. I like Peraza a lot.”

Boone explained that the Yankees are in love with Peraza. “His swing, his athleticism, his hands in the field,” he said. “I mean, he looks like an everyday shortstop. And he’s acquitted himself. He carries himself really well. I’m excited about him.”

He figures to start the season at High-A ball, but the Yankees are hoping he can make it to Double-A this season and be called up next year.