Oswald Peraza – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Oswald Peraza stands out as one of the New York Yankees’ most intriguing young infielders. Born June 15, 2000, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, the 24-year-old has already shown he can handle shortstop, second base, and third base. He’s currently playing under a one-year deal worth $772,700 with the Yankees, and his estimated net worth sits around $305,764.

Even though he’s still new to the majors—he debuted September 2, 2022—Peraza has flashed the kind of talent that made him a top prospect for the Yankees. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, he brings a sturdy frame to the infield but still moves well enough for those demanding spots up the middle.

Yankees fans and baseball folks have kept a close eye on Peraza’s progress as he tries to carve out a long-term role on one of baseball’s most famous teams. His ability to move around the infield gives the Yankees some much-needed depth and keeps him in the conversation for their future plans.

Early Life and Background

Oswald Peraza’s road to pro baseball started in Venezuela, where his family’s support and the country’s baseball culture helped shape him into a future big leaguer.

Family and Upbringing

Oswald Dair Peraza was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela—a city with a reputation for producing baseball talent. Growing up in a country where baseball is almost a way of life, Peraza was surrounded by the sport from the start.

Venezuela has produced plenty of major leaguers, and that environment gave Peraza a solid foundation to build his skills. While details about his family aren’t widely shared, it’s clear that their support mattered a lot in his journey. Like many Venezuelan players, Peraza probably grew up with modest means, looking at baseball as both a passion and a shot at a better life.

Initial Interest in Baseball

Peraza fell in love with baseball early, just like so many kids in Venezuela. The country’s deep baseball roots definitely rubbed off on him.

He stood out for his athleticism on local fields, and coaches noticed his quick hands and nimble footwork—traits that would later define his game as an infielder.

By his early teens, Peraza separated himself from the crowd. Scouts saw his defensive skills and improving bat and pegged him as a real prospect.

The Yankees eventually spotted him, too, and that opened the door to his professional career. His work ethic and skills at shortstop made him a smart signing, even at a young age.

Amateur and Minor League Career

Oswald Peraza’s climb through the Yankees’ minor league system tells a story of steady growth. He went from international prospect to big-league-ready talent, thanks to his defense and improving bat.

Signing and Early Development

Peraza kicked off his pro career on July 2, 2016, when the Yankees signed him as an international free agent from Barquisimeto. He was just 16 at the time.

He spent his early years sharpening his athleticism and defense at shortstop. Peraza started out in the Dominican Summer League, then moved up the Yankees’ minor league ladder.

He made a name for himself in Single-A and Double-A, showing off his reliable glove and flashes of power. His speed and quick hands became his trademarks during these years.

Triple-A Performance

Peraza’s stint with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at Triple-A was his final test before the majors. There, he kept working on his hitting while staying sharp on defense.

At Triple-A, he started putting it all together—more consistent contact, a bit more pop, and better plate discipline. He walked more, struck out less, and just looked more comfortable at the plate.

The Yankees saw enough to believe he was ready for the big stage. His ability to handle shortstop, second, and third, plus his improving bat, made him a real option for the major league roster.

By the time he finished his run in the minors, Peraza had become one of the Yankees’ top infield prospects, and he finally got his shot.

Major League Debut and Progression

Oswald Peraza broke into the majors with the Yankees in 2022 and has been battling for a regular infield spot ever since. The journey’s had its ups and downs, but he’s hung in there.

MLB Debut with the Yankees

Peraza made his MLB debut on September 2, 2022, for the Yankees. After impressing in the minors, he got the call-up at 22, right as the team was pushing for the playoffs.

He played in 18 games that first month and picked up his first big league hit soon after arriving. Even with limited chances, he showed some of the potential that got him here—both at the plate and in the field.

In 2023 spring training, Peraza went head-to-head with Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera for infield jobs. The competition was fierce, with the Yankees trying to figure out their future up the middle.

Key Seasons and Stats

During his debut in 2022, Peraza hit .306 and knocked out a home run in 49 plate appearances. His glove at shortstop already looked solid, though he didn’t get a huge sample of playing time.

In 2023, Peraza split time between Triple-A and the majors. When he did play for the Yankees, he mostly handled shortstop and third base, showing his flexibility.

Sharing time with Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe kept him from locking down a spot, but Peraza kept grinding, working on his approach and trying to add more power.

By 2024, he started to show more growth as he got extra reps at the major league level. The Yankees kept evaluating his fit for their long-term plans, trying to balance his development with their need to compete now.

Player Profile and Skills

Oswald Peraza brings a pretty complete skill set to the Yankees’ infield. He’s got defensive chops, a bat that keeps getting better, and the athleticism teams love in young players.

Defensive Abilities

Peraza’s defense is really what sets him apart. At shortstop, he shows great range and soft hands, making tough plays look almost routine.

He’s got a strong arm—above average, honestly—and can make those deep throws from the hole. That arm strength lets the Yankees move him around the infield.

Watching him, you notice his instincts. He positions himself well before the pitch and reacts quickly when the ball’s hit. That helps cover for any small gaps in his range.

He’s also gotten much better at turning double plays, with smoother transfers and faster releases than when he started out.

Offensive Upside

Scouts first noticed Peraza for his defense, but his bat has come a long way. He’s got a mature approach at the plate, with a good eye for offspeed stuff.

Peraza’s swing is compact and, honestly, packs more punch than you’d expect. He handles high-velocity fastballs well and can turn on inside pitches with quick hands.

He’s not a classic power hitter, but he’s shown he can drive the ball to all fields. If things break right, maybe he’s a 15-20 home run guy down the road.

Contact is probably his biggest offensive strength. He doesn’t strike out much for a young player, and he puts the ball in play enough to use his speed.

Physical Tools

At about 6’0″ and 190 pounds, Peraza has an athletic build—strong, but still quick. He’s got room to add a little more muscle without losing his mobility.

Speed is one of his best assets. He’s an above-average runner, and it shows both on the bases and in the field.

His quick-twitch movements help with his first step and lateral range—really useful for a shortstop.

He’s managed to stay healthy, too. Peraza keeps up a steady training routine and hasn’t had any major injuries so far, which is encouraging for a young guy in a long season.

Contract History and Salary

Oswald Peraza’s financial story with the Yankees is pretty typical for a young major leaguer. His contracts so far reflect where he’s at in his career.

Signing Bonus and Initial Agreements

Peraza joined the Yankees as an international free agent, but unlike some big-name signings, he didn’t get a huge bonus. That’s clear in his early career earnings.

By 2023, Peraza was working under a 1-year, $772,700 contract. That’s basically the league minimum for players still getting established.

The Yankees have invested in his development but kept things flexible salary-wise. That’s standard for guys who haven’t hit arbitration yet.

Service Time and Arbitration Status

When Peraza debuted on September 2, 2022, his service time clock started ticking. That matters because it determines when he’ll be eligible for arbitration and, eventually, free agency.

Players usually need three years of MLB service to hit arbitration, where they can start negotiating higher salaries. Since Peraza’s debut came late in 2022, he’s still under team control for a while.

The Yankees’ front office handles his service time pretty strategically—developing him but also keeping an eye on payroll. Since he can play shortstop, second, and third, his value could jump before he hits arbitration.

Net Worth and Earnings

Oswald Peraza is just starting to build his financial base in the majors, thanks to his Yankees contract and what could be bigger paydays ahead.

Career Earnings

Peraza’s MLB earnings are still in the early stages. He signed a 1-year, $772,700 contract with the Yankees, which is pretty standard for young players still under team control.

His net worth sits at $305,764, though that number could change depending on how things go, investments, and regular expenses. Since he debuted in September 2022, his bigger earning years are still ahead.

If Peraza locks down a regular spot and keeps handling multiple infield positions, the Yankees might bump up his salary in future seasons.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Right now, there isn’t much info about Peraza’s endorsement deals or sponsorships. As a fresh face in the majors who was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela in 2000, he hasn’t landed the big deals that come to more established stars.

Most young players focus on their game first and worry about endorsements later. If Peraza becomes a regular with the Yankees, those opportunities might start to show up.

Playing for the Yankees, with their global brand, definitely helps with marketability. Regional deals in New York or Venezuela could be his first steps outside of baseball salary.

Role with the New York Yankees

Oswald Peraza has had to navigate a tricky spot with the Yankees, bouncing between the major league roster and Triple-A while fighting for playing time in an infield that always seems crowded. His strong glove and raw potential have kept him in the Yankees’ plans, but he hasn’t exactly gotten a real run of steady opportunities.

Infield Competition and Teammates

Peraza faces an uphill battle in the Yankees infield, especially at shortstop and second base. With Anthony Volpe taking over as the primary shortstop, Peraza lost out on the spot many once thought would be his.

Gleyber Torres holds down second base, which only makes things tougher for Peraza. DJ LeMahieu’s utility role across the infield doesn’t help either—he eats up a lot of the available at-bats.

Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera often compete for utility infield roles, both shuttling between the majors and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Yankees management has stayed patient with Peraza, appreciating his defense all over the infield.

Jasson Dominguez’s MLB debut shook up the Yankees’ roster, and that actually opened the door a bit for versatile infielders like Peraza when the team needed to make roster adjustments.

Impact on Team Performance

Peraza really makes his mark with his glove. He’s got range, a strong arm, and quick hands—he can play shortstop, second, and third at a high level.

His bat is a work in progress. He’s shown some promise, but consistency at the plate has been elusive. Peraza focuses on contact more than power, though he can drive the ball when he connects.

The Yankees love his speed. On the bases, he gives the lineup a different look and helps manufacture runs, especially in tight games.

Whenever injuries open up playing time, Peraza tends to raise his offensive numbers. It’s enough to make you think he’d benefit from more regular at-bats. His net worth of $305,764 shows just how early he is in his career.

Career Highlights and Notable Achievements

Oswald Peraza has flashed plenty of talent since joining the Yankees in 2016. His climb through the minors and into MLB has included some memorable games and milestones.

Memorable Games and Moments

Peraza debuted with the New York Yankees in 2022, a huge step after years of grinding it out in the minors.

September 6 stands out—he racked up 3 hits against Detroit, tying his career high and smacking an RBI double. That game showed what he can do with the bat when he’s locked in.

He’s played all over the infield—short, second, third—and that flexibility makes him a real asset for the Yankees.

When he hit his first big league home run, it felt like a sign he could tap into some power down the road.

Awards and Recognition

Peraza hasn’t picked up any major MLB awards like the AL MVP or Cy Young (not yet, anyway), but he’s earned plenty of recognition as he’s moved up the Yankees’ system.

He regularly showed up on prospect rankings and drew praise from scouts and analysts for his defense and potential with the bat.

Signing as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2016 was a big deal—he caught the Yankees’ eye early on.

He still hasn’t played in a World Series, but if he keeps developing, he could end up being a big piece of a Yankees title run down the line.

Comparison to Peers

Oswald Peraza finds himself among a pretty talented crop of young infielders in MLB. His skill set and contract situation put him in a unique spot compared to his peers. It’s an interesting situation for fans and anyone tracking the Yankees’ future.

Similar Young Infielders

Peraza’s path looks pretty different from teammates like Anthony Volpe, who grabbed the starting shortstop job while Peraza bounced between positions. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Peraza’s build is similar to Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, though their bats have taken different turns.

On the money side, Peraza’s salary of about $772,700 is much lower than what Gleyber Torres or Jorge Polanco make. If Peraza can turn his defense into regular playing time, the Yankees could be getting a steal.

Born in 2000, he’s part of the same generation as Jazz Chisholm, but Chisholm has already worked his way to All-Star status.

Position Within the American League

In the AL, Peraza sits in that middle tier of young infielders—guys who have moved beyond “prospect” but aren’t regular stars yet. His net worth of about $305,764 just shows he’s still early in his career, especially compared to big names like Pete Alonso.

Defensively, he’s valuable because he can handle short, second, and third—hard to overstate how useful that is on today’s rosters. He doesn’t have the bat of the top AL infielders, but teams love that flexibility.

The Yankees keep moving Peraza between the majors and minors, which says they see his development differently than guys like Trent Grisham or Marcus Stroman, who locked in full-time roles pretty quickly.

Future Outlook and Potential

Oswald Peraza is at a real crossroads with the Yankees. His defense is there, and his bat might be coming, but breaking through for consistent playing time won’t be easy with all the infield depth.

Projected Role Moving Forward

Looking ahead to 2025-26, Peraza’s future with the Yankees feels pretty unsettled. After losing out to Volpe at shortstop, Peraza has focused on third base and utility work. That $772,700 contract shows the Yankees still believe in his upside, even if they haven’t handed him a starting job.

The Yankees’ March 2025 roster moves left Peraza’s role up in the air. His ability to play all over the infield gives him a leg up when the team needs coverage.

With his smooth glove and strong arm, he could settle in as a defensive sub or platoon guy if he doesn’t grab a starting spot.

Opportunities for Growth

Peraza’s biggest hurdle is the bat. He hit just .190 in spring training during one of those competitions, so his offense is what’s holding him back from a starting role. If he can improve his plate discipline and make more contact, his value jumps.

He’s got four plus tools, and there’s power potential that hasn’t really shown up in the majors yet. Working with the coaches could help him unlock more at the plate.

There’s a lot of competition for infield jobs, but you never know—injuries and trades happen. With an estimated net worth of about $305,764, he’s still early in his career and has plenty of financial motivation to become a regular.

Personal Life and Interests

Born June 15, 2000, Oswald Dair Peraza grew up in Venezuela and fell in love with baseball early on. His journey from there to the Yankees says a lot about his dedication.

Peraza keeps his personal life pretty private, even as he gets more attention in the big leagues. He doesn’t share much about his family or relationships with the media.

When he’s got downtime, Peraza sometimes connects with fans on social media, posting about workouts or game days.

Teammates call him focused and disciplined. Coaches talk about his work ethic and drive to get better every day.

Peraza wants to help younger Venezuelan players chase their dreams, too. He gets how tough it can be to make the jump from international ball to the American system.

Off the field, he likes music and video games—just normal stuff to unwind during a long season.

His work ethic comes from his upbringing and culture. He credits his family for supporting him and helping him reach the Yankees.

Involvement with Other MLB Teams and Players

Oswald Peraza’s career has already intersected with a few other MLB teams—mostly through trade rumors and connections with other players. As he’s developed with the Yankees, his name has popped up in plenty of trade talks, and he’s built relationships with a handful of notable players.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

Since Peraza became a top Yankees prospect, his name has shown up in a bunch of trade rumors. The Padres reportedly considered him in potential deals for Juan Soto, but the Yankees landed Soto without giving up Peraza.

The Blue Jays checked in about Peraza during the 2023 offseason while looking for infield help. The Guardians also showed interest, hoping to add young infield talent.

When the Athletics started their rebuild, Peraza’s name came up in multi-player trade talks. The Phillies reportedly considered him as a shortstop option before heading in another direction.

Connections to Notable Players

Peraza’s built some solid relationships with a few big names in MLB. He often points to Yankees teammate Anthony Santander as a mentor—someone who really helped him get comfortable with major league pitching and the daily grind.

During spring training, Peraza and Carlos Rodón spent a lot of time together on fielding drills. That hands-on work boosted their defensive chemistry and, honestly, Peraza’s numbers at shortstop started to look better.

He’s also joined winter workouts with other Venezuelan players, including guys from the Twins and White Sox. Those sessions let Peraza branch out and connect with players outside the Yankees bubble.

Peraza’s talked about how much he respects Alex Verdugo’s approach at the plate. He’s even borrowed a few things from Verdugo’s batting stance—shows he’s not afraid to pick up tricks from all over the league if it means he can step up his game.