Who's The Guy That Will Get That Chance To Fill Our Second Base Hole?

The Yankees are the kings of the “Why stop at great when we can be absurdly stacked?” mindset this off season. Even when they’ve got solid players to fill every spot, they’ll still tinker with the lineup like they’re crafting the ultimate fantasy baseball team. But, you know what? After a blockbuster offseason, I say let some of our regulars or even prospects play! 

How about Peraza? Oswald Peraza feels like the perfect candidate to test this theory. Poor guy’s been living in Triple-A limbo ever since Anthony Volpe snatched the starting shortstop role two years ago—and let’s face it, Volpe hasn’t exactly made that decision look regrettable. But now, with the Yankees’ infield situation looking a little chaotic heading into spring training, Peraza has a real chance to grab a starting gig in 2025.

Here’s the thing about Peraza: defensively, he’s a wizard. We’re talking “gold glove potential” type stuff. His range is ridiculous, his arm is a cannon, and he moves like he’s been playing on roller skates since birth. Stick him at second base, wherever—you’ll sleep just fine knowing the infield is locked down. Defense wins championships, right?

But then there’s the bat. Oh, the bat. Let’s just say his offensive game is more “some assembly required” than plug-and-play. In his extremely brief MLB audition last season, he slashed .200/.273/.500 in 11 plate appearances with a single homer. Sure, those numbers don’t scream “future All-Star,” but they also don’t tell the whole story. The guy has raw potential, and being surrounded by a Yankees lineup that hits like it’s on a cheat code could be exactly the boost he needs. Hitting is contagious, after all.

Of course, Peraza won’t walk into spring training unchallenged. He’s got to contend with DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera. LeMahieu is my personal favorite—steady, reliable, and clutch when it counts although yes, he has slowed down. I’m not ready to give up on him yet. But even I can’t ignore that his bat’s lost a bit of its magic over the past few seasons. And Cabrera? The dude’s versatility is impressive, but being a jack-of-all-trades sometimes leaves you master of none. If Peraza can outshine them both with his defense and show just enough promise at the plate, the job could be his.

Here’s the wild card: even with his bat still a work in progress, I’m not worried. When you’re surrounded by power hitters and on-base machines, you don’t need every spot in the lineup to be a wrecking ball. Let Peraza be the slick-fielding glue guy who turns double plays like poetry in motion.

Look, I’m a DJ guy through and through—I’ve got all the respect in the world for what he’s done. But the cold, hard truth is that decline waits for no one. If LeMahieu’s struggles continue, the Yankees might need a fresh spark in the infield, and Peraza could be that guy. He’s got the tools. He’s got the opportunity. Now it’s up to him to make it happen.

So yeah, let’s give the kid a shot. Worst case? You’ve got an elite glove in the field. Best case? Peraza finally puts it all together and becomes part of the next wave of Yankees greatness. Either way, it’s going to be a fun spring to watch.