In a stunning move just before the trade deadline, the New York Yankees have parted ways with former top prospect Oswald Peraza, shipping him to the Los Angeles Angels in a deal confirmed by The Post’s Joel Sherman. In return, the Yankees acquired outfield prospect Wilberson De Pena and a pool of international signing money, signaling a clear shift in their roster strategy.
Peraza, just 25 years old, was once heralded as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future. Ranked as the No. 2 prospect in their system in 2022 and No. 3 in 2023 by MLB Pipeline, the infielder was poised to become a fixture in the Bronx. However, his major league tenure has been nothing short of a disappointment. Over 429 career plate appearances with the Yankees, Peraza managed a meager .190 batting average, with his 2025 season numbers painting an even bleaker picture: a .152/.212/.241 slash line and a dismal .452 OPS.
The Yankees handed Peraza a golden opportunity earlier this month following the designation of veteran DJ LeMahieu for assignment. With a clear path to regular starts at third base, Peraza had a chance to prove he could be the long-term answer at the hot corner. Unfortunately, his performance was anything but inspiring. Struggling mightily at the plate and committing costly errors in the field, Peraza failed to seize the moment, cementing his status as a bust in pinstripes.
The final nail in Peraza’s Yankees coffin came with the team’s acquisition of third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies. With McMahon slotted into the lineup, Peraza’s role evaporated, leaving the Yankees with little reason to keep him. Now, the young infielder heads to Anaheim, where he’ll get a fresh start and a chance to resurrect his once-promising career with the Angels.
In exchange, the Yankees received 18-year-old outfield prospect Wilberson De Pena, a raw but intriguing talent. In 31 games in the Dominican Summer League this year, De Pena posted a .211/.296/.451 slash line with a .747 OPS, showing flashes of power and potential. The addition of international bonus pool money sweetens the deal for New York, offering flexibility to pursue global talent in the future.
For Peraza, the move to the Angels represents a critical crossroads. Can he shake off his Bronx struggles and rediscover the form that made him a top prospect? For the Yankees, this trade closes the chapter on a player who never lived up to the hype, while opening the door for new possibilities with De Pena. Only time will tell if this swap will be a win for either side—or a footnote in baseball’s ever-turning pages.