New York Yankees find infield depth in Jose Peraza

It is no secret that the New York Yankees needed depth in the middle of their infield. Tyler Wade was traded to the Angels and Rougned Odor was released. Even though the Yankees are supposed to be looking for a shortstop, their infield depth is dangerously thin.

That depth was addressed at the end of November. In a move that seems to have slipped under everyone’s radar, the Yankees signed infielder Jose Peraza to a minor league contract.

New York Yankees hope Jose Peraza can be needed depth piece

There was a time when Peraza was considered amongst the top prospects in the game. His excellent speed and ability to make contact led many to expect him to develop into a solid major league infielder. In fact, his prospect pedigree led to his inclusion in two blockbuster deals in 2015.

Peraza never developed as hoped. While he has made solid contact during his time in the majors, striking out in just 13.1% of his plate appearances, he has not hit with any power. His speed has disappeared as well; after stealing 23 bases in 2018, he has a total of nine steals in the past three seasons.

Despite those overall issues with the bat, Peraza does have some value. He has been a solid defensive second baseman over his career, and has spent time at second, third, and in the outfield. That ability to play multiple positions can make a major difference, especially as the Yankees have not exactly spent much money this offseason.

This is clearly not the type of move that the fanbase is hoping for. After the Yankees reset their luxury tax penalty, and Brian Cashman indicated that they were looking to upgrade at short this year, fireworks were expected. Instead, they have brought back a middle reliever and signed Peraza.

The New York Yankees needed to find a new backup infielder. As it currently stands, that may end up being Jose Peraza’s role in the upcoming year.