The Yankees are incredibly high on shortstop prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, indicated by Andy Martino of SNY. General manager Brian Cashman is unwilling to part ways with his young players, which has been a problematic reality for him in the past. Just take a look at Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar, and Gleyber Torres for the latest proof that sometimes selling high on a prospect can return great rewards.
However, Cashman is keen to give Volpe and Peraza an opportunity to lock down an infield spot. The problem is, both prospects are likely at least one year away from making their MLB debut, but looking over at other teams and what they’ve done with minor-league prospects, giving them opportunities at the top level, management should consider elevating Peraza to the active roster this season to provide him a few reps.
Last year, Peraza hit .297 with 18 homers and 58 RBIs, recording a .477 slugging percentage and .3 56 OBP. Peraza also stole 38 bases, showcasing his awesome athleticism.
Peraza’s scouting report, per MLB.com:
Added to the 40-man roster in November, Peraza has the best all-around tools among Yankees infield prospects. He has quality bat-to-ball skills and controls the strike zone well, allowing him to make consistent line-drive contract from the right side of the plate. He needs to get stronger but already generates some of the highest exit velocities in the system and could develop 15-20 homer power once he learns to drive the ball in the air more frequently.
Volpe, on the other hand, posted a .294 average with 27 Homers and 86 RBIs over 109 games in lower a ball.
Volpe’s scout report, via MLB.com:
While Volpe isn’t physically imposing, he’s an advanced hitter with a compact right-handed swing. After posting an uncharacteristic 25 percent strikeout rate in his debut, he has made much more consistent contact during his first full season. And after initially projecting as a hit-over-power guy who might reach double digits in home runs once he added strength, he’s now driving the ball more, hitting it harder than ever and looking like at least a 20-homer threat.
Considering Volpe and Peraza both play the same position, it’s possible that Yankees management looks to inject one of them at either the hot corner or at second base, depending on what they do with Gleyber Torres in the future.
If Cashman is unwilling to utilize either in a prospective trade, that is the only logical explanation for his resistance. Both players are more than capable of making the transition, featuring quality arm talent and superior athleticism.