The New York Yankees have surged to first place in the American League East division.
After embarking on a holistic roster overhaul following the departure of Juan Soto, the team leads in virtually every significant offensive category thanks to a deep and potent batting order led by superstar slugger Aaron Judge.
Perhaps most remarkable is that the Yankees are off to this start amid so many injuries. The team opened the year without Gerrit Cole or Luis Gil in the rotation and without DJ LeMahieu or Giancarlo Stanton in the dugout. More recently, it lost infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to an oblique strain.
Now, as the team looks to get some of its position players back from the injured list, it could have to make room by cutting ties with utility man Oswald Peraza.
“When Giancarlo Stanton comes back from missing all season with two tennis elbows, and his latest progress was taking BP on the field last week, then Peraza could lose his roster spot in addition to Boone having tougher daily lineup decisions,” Max Goodman reported for NJ.com. “Here’s a best-case scenario for the Yankees: Peraza plays well enough in a reserve role that he can be packaged this summer for whatever GM Brian Cashman hunts to add before the July 31 trade deadline.”
The Yankees could be looking for some reinforcement on the pitching staff or an offensive upgrade at third base and trade partners might be intrigued by Peraza’s defensive versatility and the fact that he has another pre-arbitration year ahead on his contract.
For his part, Peraza seems aware of the fact that he could be traded in the near future, though he responded to that possibility with a clear message about his focus.
“I’m really just focused on being here today and staying ready to play,” Peraza said through an interpreter, per Goodman. “I enjoy being part of this team … so for me the important part is staying present. At some point, the team will make a decision.”
As the Yankees look to hold onto their division lead, it seems some significant roster moves are ahead.
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