Changes Coming to the New York Yankees as They Shift Focus to 2024
The New York Yankees have made some significant changes to their roster as they come to terms with the disappointment of their 2023 season. Currently sitting in last place in the American League East with a record of 60-64, the Yankees are nine games behind the third and final wild-card position. With just 38 games left in the regular season, the team has shifted its focus toward the future and made a series of promotions to boost their lineup.
According to team sources, outfielder Everson Pereira and infielder Oswald Peraza have been called up to the major-league team, while outfielder Jasson Domínguez will head to the Triple-A team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The trio of prospects is expected to inject some much-needed energy into the Bronx and help the Yankees prepare for the 2024 season.
Peraza, 23, was ranked as the Yankees’ second-best prospect at the beginning of the season. Despite high expectations, he was beaten out by top prospect Anthony Volpe for the starting shortstop position on Opening Day. Peraza has had limited playing time in the majors this season but has been impressive at the Triple-A level, hitting .268 with 14 home runs and 36 RBI in 63 games.
Pereira, 22, is considered the 51st overall prospect in baseball and brings a range of skills to the team. Known for his above-average defense in center field and impressive bat speed, Pereira has hit .300 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 81 games between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A.
Domínguez, 20, has long been regarded as one of the most-hyped prospects in the game. Ranked 27th overall by scouting expert Keith Law, Domínguez has shown his potential with a solid performance in Double-A, hitting .254 with 15 home runs and 66 RBI in 109 games. Law praised Domínguez for his power, speed, and strong defensive skills.
The Yankees’ decision to promote these young talents comes as they face bleak playoff odds, with Fangraphs giving them just a 0.5 percent chance of making the postseason. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner, General Manager Brian Cashman, and Manager Aaron Boone recently met to discuss the team’s future and determine which prospects should be given playing time for the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Yankees are keen to evaluate the potential of both Peraza and Pereira. Pereira, in particular, could have a shot at securing a starting outfield position, with center fielder Harrison Bader becoming a free agent in the offseason. While the Yankees have primarily used Pereira in center field, he has displayed versatility and could fit in any of the outfield positions.
For Peraza, his prospects of being an everyday player in 2024 are less certain given the current openings in the lineup. However, if the Yankees make some key offseason moves, such as moving Gleyber Torres or DJ LeMahieu, Peraza could have the opportunity to secure a regular spot in the middle infield or at third base.
Meanwhile, Domínguez has a chance to make the big-league roster during the 2024 spring training. Following Volpe’s rapid rise from Triple-A to the starting shortstop position, Domínguez’s recent impressive performance could earn him a similar opportunity. With a batting average of .333, five home runs, 29 RBI, and 19 stolen bases in his last 42 games, Domínguez has proven he is ready for a shot at the major leagues.
As the Yankees make these changes, their projected lineup for the remainder of the season sees Peraza taking over at third base and possibly playing second base and shortstop when needed. If first baseman Anthony Rizzo is sidelined, LeMahieu could fill in, allowing Peraza to play regularly. The lineup could look as follows: LeMahieu 1B, Judge RF, Torres 2B, Stanton DH, Bader CF, Pereira LF, Volpe SS, Peraza 3B, Rortvedt/Higashioka C.
With these young prospects now in the mix, the Yankees are aiming to rebuild and bounce back for a successful 2024 season. The team is hoping that the additions of Pereira, Peraza, and Domínguez will provide a much-needed spark and contribute to their future success.