The New York Yankees are actively engaged in the Winter Meetings, with their focus not only on potential acquisitions like Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto but also on securing the services of a familiar face – left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta. The 32-year-old southpaw, acquired in 2021 from the San Francisco Giants, has proven to be a reliable asset in the Yankees’ bullpen.
Can Peralta return to New York?
As Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported, the Yankees are among several teams expressing interest in signing Peralta, signaling a potential reunion between the player and the organization. The Yankees, who have been seeking to strengthen their bullpen, see Peralta as a valuable option, especially given their limited left-handed relievers.
Despite a slight dip in efficiency from his standout 2022 season, Peralta remains an appealing choice. While his ERA remained impressive at 2.83, he did experience an increase in walk rate to 13.2%, almost double the previous year. The barrel rate also rose from 4.4% to 7.1%. Nonetheless, Peralta’s command, swinging strike rate, and a high groundball rate of 57.4% are aspects that make him an attractive candidate.
In 2022, left-handed hitters struggled against Peralta, managing only three home runs and one double in 174 plate appearances. His diverse pitch arsenal, including a strong sinker, changeup, and an emerging slider, has contributed to his success. The Yankees, known for their bullpen prowess, recognize Peralta’s familiarity with the team and his reliability as valuable assets.
Entering his age-33 season, Peralta is unlikely to demand a lengthy contract. With other notable relievers like Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga set to enter walk years in 2024, Peralta could provide the Yankees with crucial depth. The team, still committed to investing in their pitching staff, aims to mitigate the impact of potential injuries, which plagued them in the previous season.
Why?
A contract in the range of two to three years, with an annual salary of around $6 million, is speculated to be sufficient to bring Peralta back into the fold. However, competition from other interested teams is anticipated, given Peralta’s reliability as a left-handed reliever with a strong track record, particularly in October.
Peralta’s versatility, demonstrated by his ability to secure more than three outs and adapt to various bullpen roles, adds to his appeal. With a repertoire featuring a mid-90s fastball, a potent offspeed pitch, and a reliable breaking ball, Peralta is likely to attract interest from multiple teams during the offseason. Nevertheless, the Yankees appear inclined to re-sign him, recognizing the value he brings to their bullpen.
As the Yankees continue their pursuit of both established stars and familiar faces, securing Wandy Peralta’s services would not only bolster their bullpen but also provide insurance against uncertainties in the upcoming seasons. The team’s commitment to maintaining a strong pitching staff remains evident, emphasizing the importance of reliable arms like Peralta in their quest for success.
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