What Anthony Volpe’s call-up means for other Yankees middle infielders

Oswald Peraza

Peraza, the Yankees' No. 3 prospect and No. 52 overall prospect by MLB.com, made his MLB debut as a September call-up last season. Despite getting promoted, Peraza didn’t receive much playing time, serving mostly as a backup to Kiner-Falefa, but he impressed in his limited action.

In his 57 plate appearances, Peraza hit .306/.404/.429 (146 wRC+) with a 15.8 K% and 10.5 BB%. Peraza drew a start in the Yankees' ALCS Game 2 matchup against the Astros, with Kiner-Falefa benched and the Bronx Bombers looking for a sparkplug. Peraza struggled at the plate, going 0-3 with a pair of Ks, but he showcased his plus glove in the first inning, making a slick play to rob Jose Altuve of a hit.

Heading into Spring Training, Peraza was seen as the favorite by many to win the shortstop job, but after it was announced Volpe made the team, he was optioned to Triple-A. Peraza is still a valuable asset and could very well see consistent MLB playing time in 2023, but it could also be for another team.

While the Yankees would love a way to make it work with Peraza at the big league level, their logjam of infielders gave the team no choice but to option him to Triple-A to start the season so he can receive consistent at-bats. Ultimately, if the Yankees decide to trade from their logjam, Peraza could be the beneficiary, whether he’s shipped to another team or whether another former Yankees top prospect is traded in his stead.