Oswald Peraza

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #2 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium
  
  Track Record: Peraza was signed out of Venezuela in 2016 as a player with gifts on both sides of the ball. He showed hints of that potential before the pandemic, but he truly broke out in 2021, when he reached new offensive heights. He opened the 2022 season as the youngest player in the International League and the second-youngest in Triple-A. He struggled initially before getting hot in the summer months. Through April and May, he produced an OPS of .621. In June and July, that figure jumped to .913. He made his big league debut on Sept. 2 and was included on the Yankees' roster for the American League Championship Series.
  
  Scouting Report: Part of Peraza's struggles in the early portion of the season revolved around the cold weather in the Northeast. Another part was that he was facing advanced arms at Triple-A who relentlessly exploited his weakness against sliders that broke down and away. Peraza and Scranton hitting coach Trevor Amicone worked hard behind the scenes to improve that part of his game, and the results started showing up during the summer months. Peraza's power is fringe-average and geared more toward doubles than home runs and is presently mostly to his pull side. He's a cinch to stick at shortstop and grades as the best infielder in the system, with the quickness, range and plus arm strength to handle most everything hit his way. His above-average speed helped both on defense and on the bases, where he stole 33 bags in 38 tries.
  
  The Future: Peraza has the defensive chops to be the Yankees' long-term shortstop, especially if they choose to push Anthony Volpe to second base, where his range would be an asset with shift restrictions coming into play, and make him and Peraza their future double-play combo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Field: 60. Arm: 55.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #2 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Peraza signed with the Yankees in 2016 and quickly opened evaluators’ eyes with a burgeoning hit tool and the chops to stick up the middle. He held his own as a 19-year-old in his first taste of full-season ball toward the end of 2019 at Low-A Charleston. Added to the 40-man roster after the 2020 season, Peraza produced a breakout in 2021, when he eclipsed his career totals for doubles (26) and home runs (18) while climbing from High-A to Triple-A.
  
  Scouting Report: After the 2020 season, the Yankees’ hitting department suggested that Peraza could get more out of his game simply by changing his approach. He hit the ball plenty hard but needed to get the ball in the air more often. The changes worked. In 2019, Peraza carried one of the highest groundball rates in the minors. He moved to the middle of the pack in 2021. In other words, he’s getting the most out of his quality contact. His next hurdle will be hitting against breaking balls. Multiple scouts noted he was vulnerable to spin, though he showed improvement and adjustability as the season wore on. Peraza is likely to stick at shortstop, though he’s not the twitchiest athlete. Instead, he relies on above-average speed, strong instincts and reaction times to make plays.
  
  The Future: Peraza has taken the leap and upped his prospect status in the process. The next step will be to add polish to his game and prepare for his big league debut, which should come sometime in 2022.
  
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #6 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 50. Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  Track Record: Signed for $175,000 in the same international class as righthander Roansy Contreras and shortstop Jose Devers, Peraza spent the first few years of his career impressing evaluators with his tools despite middling production at the lower levels. The Yankees did not include him on their 60-man player pool because he had yet to play above low Class A, so he didn’t get any formal, in-person instruction in 2020 after the coronavirus shutdown.
  
  Scouting Report: Peraza’s top skill is his ability to put the barrel on the ball. He consistently produces louder exit velocities than his small stature would suggest, including a peak velocity of 110 mph. He overwhelmingly hits singles, but Peraza has worked hard with instructors to put the ball in the air more so his hard contacts will go deep into the outfield. Defensively, Peraza is a twitchy athlete with smooth actions at shortstop, excellent range, a quick transfer and strong arm. Those ingredients will keep him at the position as a potential plus defender. He is a plus runner who stole 23 bases in 30 attempts in 2019.
  
  The Future: Peraza may deal with some rust after a season-long layoff. He is likely to open the year at high Class A once the minor leagues get rolling. .
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #5 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Peraza was part of an international class that also included righthander Roansy Contreras and the since-traded Jose Devers, and he has quickly proved to be one of the system's fastest risers. He made it to Rookielevel Pulaski as an 18-year-old, then moved to low Class A Charleston after just 15 games in short-season Staten Island as a 19-year-old. The Yankees laud Peraza for his all-around blend of tools and a solid makeup that allows him quickly turn them into skills.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Evaluators both inside and outside the organization have been impressed with Peraza's tool set, which has shown up at each of his stops despite his accelerated development path. His polished baseball skills give him a high floor, and his high-end athleticism suggests a path to a high ceiling. His simple swing and sneaky strength have helped him show above-average or better raw power, though he hasn't shown much of it in games. He's also shown a smooth, simple swing that gives his barrel a direct path to the ball. The Yankees believe that, plus his advanced knowledge of the strike zone, will help him better select pitches on which he can do damage as he moves up the ladder. He shows smooth actions in the field and a strong arm that should keep him at shortstop. He also clocks in between 4.1 and 4.2 seconds to first base, which grades as plus speed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Peraza is likely to return to Charleston to begin 2020 and should reach high Class A Tampa.
• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #17 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: The Yankees signed Peraza for $175,000 as part of a 2016 international class that also included Roansy Contreras and the since-traded Jose Devers. Pezara attracted with a solid blend of tools across the board, as well as a frame that would allow him to add more strength without sacrificing the flexibility and athleticism necessary to play shortstop. He made it to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his pro debut before moving to Rookie-level Pulaski in 2018.
  
  Scouting Report: The most appealing part of Peraza’s game is his bat. Evaluators see at least an average future hitter with average raw power, with some seeing future plus in both departments. His in-game power is limited now because of his size and lack of present strength, though his plus bat speed and sound stroke could lead to more power in time. Defensively, Peraza shows outstanding instincts at shortstop, which helps mitigate his somewhat limited range. He’s an average runner and shows smooth actions and a solid internal clock. He’s got an average arm but needs to clean up his mechanics to improve his accuracy.
  
  The Future: Scouts are split on Peraza’s ability to stick at shortstop, but he’s young enough to improve as he moves up the ladder. That journey should continue at low Class A Charleston in 2019.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #6 prospect in 2021
  Peraza didn’t look rusty at all in his return to play this season despite not being included in the Yankees’ 60-man player pool for the alternate training site in 2020. Peraza’s tools across the board stood out to league managers. He received praise for his patience at the plate, knowledge of the strike zone and ability to stay on fastballs. He showed impressive range at shortstop, with good actions and a strong arm, and was lauded for his polished approach to the game. “I thought he defended very well, I thought he showed an above-average arm, I thought his range was very good,” Brooklyn manager Ed Blankmeyer said. Before this season, Peraza worked with instructors on hitting the ball in the air and it paid off, with a career-high 17 home runs and 26 doubles between High-A and Double-A, adding another element to a skill set that now includes five average or better tools.
• 
  Ranked New York-Penn League #14 prospect in 2019
  Peraza's stat line doesn't jump off the page, but the athletic infielder had value up the middle for Staten Island. He only played in 19 games before the Yankees promoted him to low Class A Charleston on July 9. Peraza has sound actions at shortstop and should stick there long term. He shows solid footwork and a good arm while also having the instinctual feel to play the position. While he is growing into more pop with the bat, his offensive game is contact over power. Peraza has quality swing mechanics with the ability to put the barrel on the ball. Peraza checks off the boxes to be a shortstop whose hit tool could pay dividends in the near future.
• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #14 prospect in 2017
  After signing for $175,000 in 2016, Peraza debuted this year in the Dominican Summer League, but after just 10 games the Yankees quickly pushed him up to the GCL. Peraza is a smart, savvy player and a good athlete. He has a smooth, efficient stroke, good bat-to-ball skills and manages his at-bats well with a good sense for the strike zone. His lightest tool is his power, as he lacks strength right now and will always lean more on his on-base skills than extra-base hits. An above-average runner, Peraza projects to stick at shortstop, where he has a strong arm and a good internal clock.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #62 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #55 prospect in 2022

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium
  
  Track Record: Peraza was signed out of Venezuela in 2016 as a player with gifts on both sides of the ball. He showed hints of that potential before the pandemic, but he truly broke out in 2021, when he reached new offensive heights. He opened the 2022 season as the youngest player in the International League and the second-youngest in Triple-A. He struggled initially before getting hot in the summer months. Through April and May, he produced an OPS of .621. In June and July, that figure jumped to .913. He made his big league debut on Sept. 2 and was included on the Yankees' roster for the American League Championship Series.
  
  Scouting Report: Part of Peraza's struggles in the early portion of the season revolved around the cold weather in the Northeast. Another part was that he was facing advanced arms at Triple-A who relentlessly exploited his weakness against sliders that broke down and away. Peraza and Scranton hitting coach Trevor Amicone worked hard behind the scenes to improve that part of his game, and the results started showing up during the summer months. Peraza's power is fringe-average and geared more toward doubles than home runs and is presently mostly to his pull side. He's a cinch to stick at shortstop and grades as the best infielder in the system, with the quickness, range and plus arm strength to handle most everything hit his way. His above-average speed helped both on defense and on the bases, where he stole 33 bags in 38 tries.
  
  The Future: Peraza has the defensive chops to be the Yankees' long-term shortstop, especially if they choose to push Anthony Volpe to second base, where his range would be an asset with shift restrictions coming into play, and make him and Peraza their future double-play combo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Field: 60. Arm: 55.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium
  
  Track Record: Peraza was signed out of Venezuela in 2016 as a player with gifts on both sides of the ball. He showed hints of that potential before the pandemic, but he truly broke out in 2021, when he reached new offensive heights. He opened the 2022 season as the youngest player in the International League and the second-youngest in Triple-A. He struggled initially before getting hot in the summer months. Through April and May, he produced an OPS of .621. In June and July, that figure jumped to .913. He made his big league debut on Sept. 2 and was included on the Yankees' roster for the American League Championship Series.
  
  Scouting Report: Part of Peraza's struggles in the early portion of the season revolved around the cold weather in the Northeast. Another part was that he was facing advanced arms at Triple-A who relentlessly exploited his weakness against sliders that broke down and away. Peraza and Scranton hitting coach Trevor Amicone worked hard behind the scenes to improve that part of his game, and the results started showing up during the summer months. Peraza's power is fringe-average and geared more toward doubles than home runs and is presently mostly to his pull side. He's a cinch to stick at shortstop and grades as the best infielder in the system, with the quickness, range and plus arm strength to handle most everything hit his way. His above-average speed helped both on defense and on the bases, where he stole 33 bags in 38 tries.
  
  The Future: Peraza has the defensive chops to be the Yankees' long-term shortstop, especially if they choose to push Anthony Volpe to second base, where his range would be an asset with shift restrictions coming into play, and make him and Peraza their future double-play combo.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Field: 60. Arm: 55.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Peraza inked signed in 2016 and quickly opened evaluators&#39 eyes with a burgeoning hit tool and the chops to stick up the middle. He held his own as a 19-year-old in his first test of full-season ball toward the end of 2019 at Low-A Charleston. Added to the 40-man roster after the 2020 season, Peraza produced a breakout in 2021, when he eclipsed his career totals for doubles (26) and home runs (18) in his first games at the upper levels.
  
  Scouting Report: After the 2020 season, the Yankees&#39 hitting department suggested that Peraza could get more out of his game simply by changing his approach. He hit the ball plenty hard but needed to get the ball in the air more often. The changes worked. In 2019, Peraza carried one of the highest groundball rates in the minors. He moved to the middle of the pack in 2021. In other words, he&#39s getting the most out of his quality contact. His next hurdle will be hitting against breaking balls. Multiple scouts noted he was vulnerable to spin, though he showed improvement and adjustability as the season wore on. Peraza is likely to stick at shortstop, though he&#39s not the twitchiest athlete. Instead, he relies on above-average speed, strong instincts and reaction times to make plays.
  
  The Future: Peraza has taken the leap and upped his prospect status in the process. The next step will be to add polish to his game and prepare for his big league debut, which should come sometime in 2022.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 50. Speed: 55. Defense: 55. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Peraza signed with the Yankees in 2016 and quickly opened evaluators’ eyes with a burgeoning hit tool and the chops to stick up the middle. He held his own as a 19-year-old in his first taste of full-season ball toward the end of 2019 at Low-A Charleston. Added to the 40-man roster after the 2020 season, Peraza produced a breakout in 2021, when he eclipsed his career totals for doubles (26) and home runs (18) while climbing from High-A to Triple-A.
  
  Scouting Report: After the 2020 season, the Yankees’ hitting department suggested that Peraza could get more out of his game simply by changing his approach. He hit the ball plenty hard but needed to get the ball in the air more often. The changes worked. In 2019, Peraza carried one of the highest groundball rates in the minors. He moved to the middle of the pack in 2021. In other words, he’s getting the most out of his quality contact. His next hurdle will be hitting against breaking balls. Multiple scouts noted he was vulnerable to spin, though he showed improvement and adjustability as the season wore on. Peraza is likely to stick at shortstop, though he’s not the twitchiest athlete. Instead, he relies on above-average speed, strong instincts and reaction times to make plays.
  
  The Future: Peraza has taken the leap and upped his prospect status in the process. The next step will be to add polish to his game and prepare for his big league debut, which should come sometime in 2022.
  
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  Peraza didn’t look rusty at all in his return to play this season despite not being included in the Yankees’ 60-man player pool for the alternate training site in 2020. Peraza’s tools across the board stood out to league managers. He received praise for his patience at the plate, knowledge of the strike zone and ability to stay on fastballs. He showed impressive range at shortstop, with good actions and a strong arm, and was lauded for his polished approach to the game. “I thought he defended very well, I thought he showed an above-average arm, I thought his range was very good,” Brooklyn manager Ed Blankmeyer said. Before this season, Peraza worked with instructors on hitting the ball in the air and it paid off, with a career-high 17 home runs and 26 doubles between High-A and Double-A, adding another element to a skill set that now includes five average or better tools.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  Track Record: Signed for $175,000 in the same international class as righthander Roansy Contreras and shortstop Jose Devers, Peraza spent the first few years of his career impressing evaluators with his tools despite middling production at the lower levels. The Yankees did not include him on their 60-man player pool because he had yet to play above low Class A, so he didn't get any formal, in-person instruction in 2020 after the coronavirus shutdown.
  
  Scouting Report: Peraza's top skill is his ability to put the barrel on the ball. He consistently produces louder exit velocities than his small stature would suggest, including a peak velocity of 110 mph. He overwhelmingly hits singles, but Peraza has worked hard with instructors to put the ball in the air more so his hard contacts will go deep into the outfield. Defensively, Peraza is a twitchy athlete with smooth actions at shortstop, excellent range, a quick transfer and strong arm. Those ingredients will keep him at the position as a potential plus defender. He is a plus runner who stole 23 bases in 30 attempts in 2019.
  
  The Future: Peraza may deal with some rust after a season-long layoff. He is likely to open the year at high Class A once the minor leagues get rolling. .
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  Track Record: Signed for $175,000 in the same international class as righthander Roansy Contreras and shortstop Jose Devers, Peraza spent the first few years of his career impressing evaluators with his tools despite middling production at the lower levels. The Yankees did not include him on their 60-man player pool because he had yet to play above low Class A, so he didn’t get any formal, in-person instruction in 2020 after the coronavirus shutdown.
  
  Scouting Report: Peraza’s top skill is his ability to put the barrel on the ball. He consistently produces louder exit velocities than his small stature would suggest, including a peak velocity of 110 mph. He overwhelmingly hits singles, but Peraza has worked hard with instructors to put the ball in the air more so his hard contacts will go deep into the outfield. Defensively, Peraza is a twitchy athlete with smooth actions at shortstop, excellent range, a quick transfer and strong arm. Those ingredients will keep him at the position as a potential plus defender. He is a plus runner who stole 23 bases in 30 attempts in 2019.
  
  The Future: Peraza may deal with some rust after a season-long layoff. He is likely to open the year at high Class A once the minor leagues get rolling. .
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50. Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.
  Track Record: Signed for $175,000 in the same international class as righthander Roansy Contreras and shortstop Jose Devers, Peraza spent the first few years of his career impressing evaluators with his tools despite middling production at the lower levels. The Yankees did not include him on their 60-man player pool because he had yet to play above low Class A, so he didn’t get any formal, in-person instruction in 2020 after the coronavirus shutdown.
  
  Scouting Report: Peraza’s top skill is his ability to put the barrel on the ball. He consistently produces louder exit velocities than his small stature would suggest, including a peak velocity of 110 mph. He overwhelmingly hits singles, but Peraza has worked hard with instructors to put the ball in the air more so his hard contacts will go deep into the outfield. Defensively, Peraza is a twitchy athlete with smooth actions at shortstop, excellent range, a quick transfer and strong arm. Those ingredients will keep him at the position as a potential plus defender. He is a plus runner who stole 23 bases in 30 attempts in 2019.
  
  The Future: Peraza may deal with some rust after a season-long layoff. He is likely to open the year at high Class A once the minor leagues get rolling. .
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Peraza was part of an international class that also included righthander Roansy Contreras and the since-traded Jose Devers, and he has quickly proved to be one of the system’s fastest risers. He made it to Rookielevel Pulaski as an 18-year-old, then moved to low Class A Charleston after just 15 games in short-season Staten Island as a 19-year-old. The Yankees laud Peraza for his all-around blend of tools and a solid makeup that allows him quickly turn them into skills.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Evaluators both inside and outside the organization have been impressed with Peraza’s tool set, which has shown up at each of his stops despite his accelerated development path. His polished baseball skills give him a high floor, and his high-end athleticism suggests a path to a high ceiling. His simple swing and sneaky strength have helped him show above-average or better raw power, though he hasn’t shown much of it in games. He’s also shown a smooth, simple swing that gives his barrel a direct path to the ball. The Yankees believe that, plus his advanced knowledge of the strike zone, will help him better select pitches on which he can do damage as he moves up the ladder. He shows smooth actions in the field and a strong arm that should keep him at shortstop. He also clocks in between 4.1 and 4.2 seconds to first base, which grades as plus speed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Peraza is likely to return to Charleston to begin 2020 and should reach high Class A Tampa.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Peraza was part of an international class that also included righthander Roansy Contreras and the since-traded Jose Devers, and he has quickly proved to be one of the system's fastest risers. He made it to Rookielevel Pulaski as an 18-year-old, then moved to low Class A Charleston after just 15 games in short-season Staten Island as a 19-year-old. The Yankees laud Peraza for his all-around blend of tools and a solid makeup that allows him quickly turn them into skills.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Evaluators both inside and outside the organization have been impressed with Peraza's tool set, which has shown up at each of his stops despite his accelerated development path. His polished baseball skills give him a high floor, and his high-end athleticism suggests a path to a high ceiling. His simple swing and sneaky strength have helped him show above-average or better raw power, though he hasn't shown much of it in games. He's also shown a smooth, simple swing that gives his barrel a direct path to the ball. The Yankees believe that, plus his advanced knowledge of the strike zone, will help him better select pitches on which he can do damage as he moves up the ladder. He shows smooth actions in the field and a strong arm that should keep him at shortstop. He also clocks in between 4.1 and 4.2 seconds to first base, which grades as plus speed.
  
  THE FUTURE: Peraza is likely to return to Charleston to begin 2020 and should reach high Class A Tampa.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Peraza's stat line doesn't jump off the page, but the athletic infielder had value up the middle for Staten Island. He only played in 19 games before the Yankees promoted him to low Class A Charleston on July 9. Peraza has sound actions at shortstop and should stick there long term. He shows solid footwork and a good arm while also having the instinctual feel to play the position. While he is growing into more pop with the bat, his offensive game is contact over power. Peraza has quality swing mechanics with the ability to put the barrel on the ball. Peraza checks off the boxes to be a shortstop whose hit tool could pay dividends in the near future.