“Man Up Yankees!”: Fresh Report on New York Yankees’ Opening Day Shortstop Divides Fans

Going into 2023, the New York Yankees look very similar to their 2022 roster, with a few changes. Fans were upset that the organization did not add more pieces to the squad. Furthermore, many expected a lot of changes to take place as multiple starting players struggled. Fans begged for these players to be traded or released. But that has not happened. 

Some were left wondering why younger prospects were not given the chance to start. But in the latest reports, the Yankees have decided to give a young prospect the starting job at shortstop. Notably, with Isiah-Kiner Falefa playing at shortstop, the Yankees struggled in that particular position the entire 2022 season.

Is New York Yankees’ 22-year-old Oswald Peraza going to be their starting shortstop?

Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at shortstop last year and was even below average on offense, which also caused fans to criticize Falefa and the Yankees’ management. His normally excellent defense also let him down, leading to Kiner-Falefa being benched at times during the postseason. However, if reports are true, the Yankees have now made Oswald Peraza their starting shortstop for 2023, according to a Tweet by Fireside Yankees.

In the Tweet, Fireside Yankees said, “Per @Buster_ESPN, Oswald Peraza is expected to be the starter at SS on Opening Day unless something “unforeseen” occurs. #NYY”. This is a big move for the Yankees as they look to their young prospect to deliver this season. 

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Fans are showing mixed reactions to the news. Some fans have brought up Anthony Volpe in the comments, saying that he deserves it more and is the better option. Others are happy as they won’t have to see Kiner-Falefa play and are excited about Peraza’s potential. 

It will be interesting to see how Peraza performs and whether the Yankees’ management stick with him. But shortstop is not the only position where the team is trying out different options. The team is also experimenting with the left-field position. They are going to try playing Aaron Judge at left field for parts of the 2023 season.

Peraza showed potential in 2022

Oswald Peraza has been a top prospect for a couple of years now, playing his first games with the New York Yankees last season. Although Peraza only played 18 games, he showed good defensive instinct and offensive upside as well. In those 18 appearances, he batted at .306, showing flashes of being a good batter.

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The defensive capability looked present as well. But 2023 will be his true test as he gets the starting job at shortstop. Do you think the Yankees will start Peraza at shortstop this season? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below!