NEW YORK — The New York Yankees traded struggling infielder Oswald Peraza to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, ending a disappointing four-year tenure for the once-promising prospect who never lived up to his top-100 billing.
The Yankees received minor league outfielder Wilberson De Pena and international bonus pool money in exchange for Peraza, according to multiple reports. The trade came just minutes before the 6 p.m. trade deadline as New York cleared roster space following aggressive deadline acquisitions.
“He’s a classic change-of-scenery guy,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. “Defensively, it’s a very intriguing player. We felt like it was an outstanding opportunity to take a chance on a guy that has talent.”
From top prospect to trade candidate
Peraza, 25, signed with the Yankees as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2016 for just $175,000. He quickly rose through prospect rankings after a breakout 2021 minor league season where he hit .294 with 18 home runs and 38 stolen bases across three levels.
The Venezuelan infielder earned top-100 prospect status entering both the 2022 and 2023 seasons from Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and Baseball Prospectus. His major league debut in September 2022 showed promise – he batted .306/.404/.429 with a 145 wRC+ in 18 games and earned a spot on the Yankees’ ALCS roster.
However, that early success proved misleading. Over 145 games spanning four seasons, Peraza managed just a .190/.263/.285 slash line with seven home runs. His 2025 performance hit rock bottom with a .152/.212/.241 line and 26 OPS+ in 71 games.
“Sometimes a change of scenery is what a player needs,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said during his post-deadline press conference. “We wish Oswald nothing but the best.”
Yankees clear roster space after busy deadline
The Peraza trade represented the final piece of New York’s aggressive deadline overhaul. The Yankees acquired seven players, including three closers, to address a bullpen that posted a 6.29 ERA in July.
Their most significant moves included trading for closers David Bednar from Pittsburgh, Jake Bird from Colorado, and Camilo Doval from San Francisco. The Yankees also added infield help in Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario, and Jose Caballero.
The acquisition of Caballero from Tampa Bay during Thursday’s Yankees-Rays game served as the final nail in Peraza’s coffin. Caballero, who leads the majors with 34 stolen bases, provides the defensive versatility the Yankees wanted from Peraza.
“Jose provides a lot of versatility and more choices and flexibility by his player profile than what Peraza was providing,” Cashman said.
Angels bet on defensive skills and fresh start
Despite sitting four games out of the AL wild card, the Angels chose to buy rather than sell at the deadline. They previously acquired relievers Luis Garcia and Andrew Chafin from Washington on Wednesday.
“Being competitive in August and September is really, really important for this group, not only for the now, but for the future,” Minasian said. “Playing meaningful games is hard to quantify, but I felt like it was very important for this group.”
Peraza’s defensive versatility attracted the Angels. He can play third base, shortstop and second base, providing depth as Luis Rengifo and Yoan Moncada head toward free agency after the season.
The Angels designated Kevin Newman for assignment to clear roster space. Newman signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal but struggled with a .202/.209/.272 line in 57 games.
Injuries derailed development
Peraza’s struggles weren’t solely performance-based. A shoulder injury limited him to just four games in 2024, disrupting his development timeline. The subscapularis strain occurred during spring training and required 6-8 weeks of recovery.
Even when healthy, Peraza showed consistent vulnerabilities against breaking balls. His .133 average against offspeed pitches highlighted mechanical issues that the Yankees’ coaching staff couldn’t resolve.
“Historically, from a minor league standpoint, he’s performed offensively,” Minasian said. “He can really defend at third base, can also play short and second.”
Minimal return reflects diminished value
The Yankees‘ return package reflects how far Peraza’s stock had fallen. De Pena, 18, has hit .211/.296/.451 in the Dominican Summer League across two seasons and doesn’t rank among the Angels’ top 30 prospects.
Peraza remains under team control through 2029 and won’t reach arbitration until 2027, providing the Angels with cost-controlled depth. However, he’s out of minor league options, meaning he must stick on the major league roster.
When top prospect Christian Moore returns from his thumb injury, the Angels plan to option Scott Kingery to create roster flexibility.
The future ahead
For Peraza, the trade represents a final opportunity to salvage a career that once showed immense promise. His defensive metrics remain solid – he posted four Defensive Runs Saved at third base this season with above-average range and arm strength.
The Yankees, meanwhile, maximized their 2025 championship window by trading prospects for proven veterans. They’ve added significant depth to address their bullpen crisis and infield needs as they chase their first World Series title since 2009.
“I know we have improved ourselves,” Cashman said. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to improve ourselves and try to match up.”
The trade officially ends one of the more disappointing prospect developments in recent Yankees history. Once viewed as a cornerstone alongside Anthony Volpe, Peraza never translated his minor league success to the majors.
Now 25, he joins an Angels organization hoping a change of scenery can unlock the potential that made him a top prospect just three years ago.
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