The New York Yankees appear ready for another infield transformation, with Oswald Peraza potentially becoming the primary casualty. Recent statements from J.C. Escarra have fueled speculation about roster changes, while Jorbit Vivas continues impressing with limited opportunities.
Escarra spoke with the New York Daily News about Ben Rice’s defensive versatility. When discussing Rice’s potential move to third base, the catcher offered intriguing insight.
“He has the hands, and he definitely has the arm strength to play there,” Escarra said. “So you never know.”
The seemingly casual observation has generated significant discussion throughout the Bronx. Yankees officials face complex decisions regarding their infield configuration, especially with Oswaldo Cabrera sidelined indefinitely and Giancarlo Stanton’s return timeline remaining uncertain.
Rice’s emergence creates a position battle
Ben Rice has provided consistent offensive production throughout the current campaign. The 26-year-old slugger maintains a .250 batting average with nine home runs across 41 games. He has filled the designated hitter role effectively during Stanton’s absence.
However, Stanton’s eventual return would likely force Rice into a different role. The Yankees seem reluctant to relegate such productive offense to bench duty. This reality makes finding Rice a defensive position increasingly important.
First base remains occupied while the outfield lacks available spots. Third base represents the most logical landing place for Rice’s bat.
Manager Aaron Boone previously downplayed Rice’s third base preparation. He described the work as happening “for fun” and cautioned against overanalyzing the situation.
Those comments came before May 12, preceding Cabrera’s serious ankle injury. Boone now considers Cabrera’s season-ending recovery “probably unlikely.” This development may have altered internal planning significantly.
Peraza’s offensive struggles mount
The Yankees previously protected Oswald Peraza in multiple trade discussions over recent seasons. Many observers viewed the 24-year-old as a cornerstone infielder alongside Anthony Volpe. His defensive skills have met expectations with smooth, reliable play.
His offensive development tells a different story.
Peraza’s 2025 performance includes a .164 batting average and a .239 on-base percentage through 61 at-bats. Despite solid defensive contributions, he has posted negative WAR. These struggles create a significant void at third base during the team’s playoff push.
Peraza has demonstrated positional flexibility this season. Twenty-one of his 28 appearances have occurred at third base. Yet his inability to capitalize on opportunities has become a concerning pattern.
The Subway Series highlighted his difficulties. Peraza finished 0-for-5 with one walk while committing a crucial error. That performance may have represented his final audition.
Vivas seizes the Yankees opportunity
Jorbit Vivas entered spring training as organizational depth but has forced his way into regular consideration. The 23-year-old has impressed with both contact ability and composure under pressure.
Sunday’s finale against the Mets showcased Vivas’ impact. Though he didn’t start, he provided the decisive moment with an 11-pitch at-bat that resulted in a groundball and throwing error, leading to the winning run.
Cody Bellinger praised Vivas’ spring training performance and recent contributions.
“I was a huge fan of him in spring training,” Bellinger said. “I loved his at-bats. He’s a very exciting player. He’s got a lot of confidence and he’s fun to watch.”
Vivas brings a left-handed hitting and contact-oriented approach that addresses team needs. His style offers improved plate discipline at third base. He appears suited for platoon duty, particularly with Boone managing DJ LeMahieu’s workload following his injury-plagued 2024 season.
LeMahieu’s return complicates roster
LeMahieu’s recent activation provides additional infield depth while creating new complications. His defensive range has declined, though he maintains versatility across multiple positions. His contract essentially guarantees roster retention throughout the season, increasing pressure on fringe players like Peraza.
Stanton’s return would necessitate roster moves. The Yankees must decide between demoting Peraza or Vivas based on current performance trends. Peraza’s position appears increasingly vulnerable.
The organization expects to retain premier prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. despite trade speculation. This approach makes Peraza a potential trade candidate if roster space becomes limited.
Prospect strategy under scrutiny
Peraza’s decline may intensify criticism of Brian Cashman’s prospect management philosophy. The Yankees’ front office has faced accusations of excessive prospect retention instead of pursuing immediate improvements. Peraza’s regression exemplifies this strategy’s potential pitfalls.
Modern playoff races often depend on marginal roster upgrades and depth improvements. Retaining underperforming players for too long can prove costly during crucial moments.
Peraza would likely attract trade interest from teams seeking elite defensive value while hoping to unlock his offensive potential elsewhere. However, his Yankees tenure appears nearing conclusion.
Decisions loom against Peraza
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s impending return will force another difficult roster decision. Whether this results in Peraza’s demotion, trade, or benchling remains undetermined. His failure to maximize opportunities during Cabrera’s absence has jeopardized his future significantly.
Escarra’s seemingly casual comment about Rice’s third base potential has reopened discussions about infield optimization. The Yankees appear willing to explore creative solutions for roster improvement, even if it means parting with a previously valued prospect.
The organization’s championship aspirations may ultimately determine Peraza’s fate. His inability to contribute offensively in a crucial position has created doubt about his long-term viability.
Recent developments suggest the Yankees prioritize production over potential when making roster decisions. Peraza’s situation exemplifies how quickly prospects can fall from organizational favor without consistent performance.
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