The Yankees are known to build a starry lineup with established players rather than building a lineup from scratch with young and inexperienced players. However, there are a few exceptions. The Bombers, over the year, have acquired multiple young international prospects. Moreover, the prospects are performing well in the minor leagues, waiting for their call into the majors.
One of the top prospects among the lot is 22-year-old shortstop Oswald Peraza. Born in Venezuela, Peraza made his pro debut in 2017. After grinding for four years, the shortstop received a promotion into the major league in the 2022 postseason. Peraza became an instant hit during his limited game time. Meanwhile, Oswald’s teammate, Kyle Higashioka, spoke highly of the shortstop and also revealed the team’s first reactions while seeing Oswald in action.
Kyle Higashioka Heaps Praises On Oswald Peraza
Oswald Peraza made his major league debut in September 2022. Moreover, the shortstop featured in 18 games wherein he scored one homer, 2 RBIs, and made 57 plate appearances. On top of that, his batting average stayed at .306. Hence, the fans and critics left highly impressed with the shortstop for his blistering show. Besides the fans, the Yankees team also went crazy over Oswald’s fiery debut. Meanwhile, Peraza’s teammate, Kyle Higashioka, spoke highly of the shortstop and applauded his calmness.
Kyle Higashioka, Yankees catcher and Oswald’s teammate, revealed that he was amazed seeing Oswald Peraza bat. Kyle further added Peraza walked in with sheer calmness and went beserk while hitting. He, along with with the entire Yankees bullpen, was left shell-shocked and applauded the shortstop. Further, Kyle said Oswald is pretty good compared to his age and can do magic given a longer game time.
‘Man, this kid’s pretty good,” said Kyle Higashioka.
Peraza, Volpe, Isiah Fighting For The Starting Shortstop Role
Meanwhile, despite being a top prospect, Oswald Peraza will have to fight for a spot in the starting roster. Oswald faces fierce competition in Anthony Volpe and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Volpe is the Yankees’ number 1 prospect this season, while Isiah is fighting for survival. Moreover, all three prospects will have an equal opportunity to compete in spring training for the starting shortstop position. For now, Oswald’s odd looks better compared to the competition.
Apart from the shortstop issues, the Yankees must sort out their left field issue before the opening day. Due to the lack of funds, the Yanks are unable to buy one in the free agent market. On the other hand, the Pirates have stalled the Bryan Reynolds trade with a ridiculous ask. Hence, the Yankees will have to place Aaron Hicks in the left field for now. However, Hicks is certainly not a long-term solution, and the Yankees will have to find a designated outfielder soon than later.
