Pereira catches fire as time for Yankees decision nears
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Follow UsAs the clock ticks, Pereira’s performance demands the Yankees’ attention.
Everson Pereira isn’t just knocking on the Yankees’ door — he’s practically battering it down.
Once seen as a spring solution to Giancarlo Stanton’s injury absence, Pereira didn’t make the Opening Day roster. But now, after a powerful Triple-A surge and full-time return to outfield duty, the New York Yankees may soon face a critical decision about one of their most explosive young bats.
Spring hopes, delayed opportunity
Heading into 2025 spring training, the Yankees were desperate for a right-handed power bat. With Stanton recovering from a lower-body injury and designated hitter reps up for grabs, Pereira looked like a natural stand-in. His raw power and previous major league exposure made him an intriguing candidate.
But recovering from Tommy John surgery limited him to DH duty only, and defensive concerns pushed the Yankees to opt for Ben Rice instead — a decision hard to argue with. Rice has emerged as a two-position revelation, splitting time at catcher and first base while posting a 154 OPS+ and clubbing eight home runs. He’s become a fan favorite in the Bronx and a lineup mainstay.
Still, Pereira didn’t sulk. He stayed the course — and now, he’s forcing the Yankees to take notice.
Pereira sizzles at Scranton
Since rejoining the outfield rotation for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pereira has looked like a player determined to make up for lost time. Over just 78 at-bats, he’s launched seven home runs while slashing .295/.368/.573, with a robust .941 OPS. His most recent highlight? A walk-off blast on Wednesday, a swing that punctuated his resurgence and might have echoed all the way to the Bronx.
Pereira has also logged time at all three outfield spots — 11 games in left, plus additional innings in center and right — easing concerns about his defensive readiness post-surgery. His early spring limitations are now a non-factor.
Quietly climbing back up
Despite the flashy production, Pereira often flies under the radar. In part, that’s due to the gravitational pull of Jasson Domínguez — the Yankees’ other young outfield star — and in part, because of Pereira’s brief, rough stint in the majors last season. He hit just .151 with a 41.5% strikeout rate over 27 games in 2023, leading some to question his readiness.
But his pedigree is undeniable. Pereira was ranked the No. 67 prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into 2024. Injuries and opportunity gaps have delayed his trajectory, not derailed it.
Yankees face roster crunch
The Yankees’ current outfield depth chart — led by Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and a resurgent Trent Grisham — doesn’t leave much room. And with Jasson Domínguez making a regular appearance after his return from Tommy John rehab, space is even tighter.
Yet Pereira’s offensive output makes him difficult to ignore. Especially considering his potential role as a right-handed platoon option. As FanSided’s Zach Pressnell put it, “The right-handed hitter could provide a very solid platoon bat against left-handed pitchers for Aaron Boone and the Bronx Bombers.”
Currently, the Yankees‘ outfield leans left-handed. Grisham, Bellinger, and even Domínguez all swing from the left side. Pereira, with his power and platoon upside, could bring critical balance. He also brings the versatility to rotate at DH, which remains a fluid role even with Stanton’s return reportedly approaching.
Experts weigh in
A Yankees insider close to player development shared with Pinstripes Nation:
“Everson’s swing decisions have improved, and he’s showing real maturity. If he keeps this up, the club has to consider him — especially if anyone gets dinged up.”
The Yankees, of course, know the risks of holding back a hot bat. In a competitive AL East where every win counts, ignoring a .940+ OPS slugger in Triple-A could backfire.
Another scout from a rival AL team told Pinstripes Nation:
“He’s more than just a fill-in. He’s got 25-homer potential if he stays healthy and adjusts to big-league velocity. He’s a better outfielder than people realize.”
The Yankees signed Pereira out of Venezuela in 2017. Eight years later, at age 24, he may finally be ready to make an impact in the Bronx. According to recent predictions from analysts, a call-up could happen by the end of May — possibly even before Memorial Day.
In spring training, Pereira quietly slashed .280/.406/.520 with two homers before being sent down. That strong showing, combined with his current tear, puts him in line for a midseason opportunity.
Boone and Brian Cashman have tough decisions ahead. But Pereira is making it harder to keep looking past him.
The Yankees might not need him right now. But when they do — whether due to injury, fatigue, or an offensive lull — they may already have their answer waiting in Scranton.
And if Pereira gets that next call, don’t be surprised if this time, he sticks.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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