Oswald Peraza’s home run proves crucial for Yankees to hold off Angels

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ANAHEIM, Calif. — With a flick of the bat and a thunderous swing, Oswald Peraza sent a resounding message to both his critics and the New York Yankees front office.

His 408-foot solo home run in the seventh inning on May 27 didn’t just give the Yankees a vital insurance run in a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. It was a personal breakthrough—a moment that might one day be viewed as the turning point in Peraza’s still-developing big league journey.

Facing veteran reliever Hector Neris in the top of the seventh inning, Peraza turned around a 94.1 mph sinker and launched it over the center-field fence at an exit velocity of 111.8 mph. The ball soared as if carrying more than just runs—it carried meaning. For the Yankees, it pushed the lead to 3-0. For Peraza, it pushed his narrative forward.

“It’s about staying ready and making the most of the opportunities,” Peraza said after the win. “I’m enjoying being part of this team and contributing whenever I can.”

One swing, big impact

That swing came in a high-leverage spot. The Yankees had built a slim lead, and with the Angels threatening late, Peraza’s home run proved decisive. Without his insurance, there could be a big headache thanks to closer Devin Williams’ flirting with a likely disaster.

It was his third of the season and capped a 1-for-3 day with a walk, inching his slash line to .165/.241/.342 across 87 plate appearances. Modest on the surface, but the significance ran deeper.

His performance came during a crucial series stretch. The Yankees have now secured their seventh consecutive series win, growing their AL East lead to seven games over the Tampa Bay Rays. While the likes of Aaron Judge and Ben Rice remain the headline acts, players like Peraza are delivering the supporting roles championship teams are built on.

Behind the numbers: Room for growth

Peraza’s raw numbers paint an uneven picture, but advanced metrics suggest upside. Also, he provided game-changing hits at crucial junctures for the Yankees.

According to Baseball Savant, Peraza owns an average exit velocity of 88.4 mph, a hard-hit rate of 35.7%, and a barrel rate of 10.7%—respectable underlying stats for a player still adjusting to MLB pitching. His expected batting average (xBA) is .228, noticeably higher than his actual .165 mark, indicating that regression may soon work in his favor.

What’s been hurting him is more behavioral than bad luck. His 25% strikeout rate and a 34.3% whiff rate suggest swing decisions and pitch recognition issues. He makes contact on just 75.2% of pitches in the zone, below the league average of 82.1%. Still, his consistent hard contact and growing confidence suggest he may be turning a corner.

Defensive versatility: A quiet anchor

If his bat is still coming around, his glove has offered reliability.

In 36 appearances this season, Peraza has logged 67.2 innings at third base with a .951 fielding percentage. He’s also rotated across the Yankees’ infield, filling in wherever needed due to injuries, notably to DJ LeMahieu and Jazz Chisholm. That flexibility has been crucial.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Peraza’s all-around growth: “He’s been working hard, and it’s showing. That home run was a big moment for him and for us.”

Judge stands by Peraza

Amid speculation about his future and the pressure to perform, Peraza received a vital public vote of confidence from team captain Aaron Judge.

“Give him a chance to play every single day,” Judge told reporters earlier this month. “Good things are going to happen.”

That comment followed Peraza’s RBI double that ignited a 10-run rally in a 13-1 blowout win over the Colorado Rockies. Moments like these haven’t been frequent this season—but they’ve been timely.

The bigger picture: Playing for his spot

Peraza entered the 2025 season at a crossroads. Once ranked among the Yankees’ top prospects, he had seen his role shift from potential everyday shortstop to a utility infielder fighting for at-bats. When Chisholm hit the IL in early May and LeMahieu remained sidelined, Peraza got his chance. What he does with it now could define his place in the organization.

His .167/.241/.319 slash line through 32 games remains underwhelming. And in an organization built on winning now, production outweighs promise. With the Yankees’ depth increasing and key players expected to return soon, time is running out for Peraza to prove he belongs.

Yet, Tuesday’s home run was more than a fleeting highlight. It was a clutch, high-pressure contribution on the road in a tight game—something the Yankees value highly.

The Yankees are surging. Paul Goldschmidt’s veteran bat, Ben Rice’s timely contributions, and Max Fried’s dominance on the mound have made them a complete team. But as October aspirations take shape, injuries and performance slumps remain inevitable.

That’s where players like Peraza come in.

Whether he becomes an everyday player or remains a key depth piece, Peraza’s value hinges on moments like the one against the Angels. Moments that swing games, tilt series, and shape careers.

The Yankees don’t just need stars. They need contributors who can step in and step up when called. If Peraza can turn isolated flashes into sustained impact, his Bronx journey is far from over.

For Peraza, the mission remains simple: stay ready, stay sharp, and let the bat do the talking.

In a team bursting with stars, Oswald Peraza may never grab the spotlight. But on May 27, he showed that under the right circumstances, he can help the Yankees win games—and maybe win over those still wondering if he belongs in pinstripes.

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