Another day, another drama in the Bronx! This time, it’s the New York Yankees’ 23-year-old prospect, Everson Pereira, who’s making headlines at the moment. The reason? The Yankees have a major gap to fill as they need a right-handed batter, and Pereira seems to be the perfect fit. But will that be a good call? Well, the Yankees’ lineup has been rattled by injuries, which they need to deal with during spring training.

Multiple players like Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Gil have been battling injuries and are unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Meanwhile, the Yankees, who often needed a lefty in their lineup, are now looking for a right-hander who can hit it quite big. So, will the young prospect be able to make his presence count with the Yankees? Everson Jose Pereira signed with the Yankees way back in 2017 as a free agent; however, he made his debut in 2023.

Pereira had a good minor league performance, as he had a .265 average, .346 OBP and .858 OPS, along with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs. On March 8, Yankees insider Chris Kirschner posted on his X handle, “The Yankees are short a right-handed bat. Everson Pereira could be an option to make the club out of spring training.” That’s true given that with Giancarlo Stanton’s absence, the Yankees are lefties-heavy and they need a right-handed batter. But they do have some internal options as replacements, like Ben Rice and Dominic Smith.

But as stated by Kirschner, both Rice and Smith are lefties, and the team is looking to bring a right-hander to maintain good balance. And that’s the reason; Everson Pereira appears to be the favorite. However, that is definitely not the only reason; Everson Pereira recently managed to lead off the bottom during the eighth inning by hitting a home run to the left field, which tied the game at 5. 

As of now, Pereira has entered the batting lineup 5-for-14 with a 1.042 OPS this spring, and with a good 5-foot-11 height, he can play as a designated hitter too. Although he doesn’t look much like a big hitter, if he hits well, that’s all that matters. Isn’t it? So, fans may just need to wait to see whether the 23YO prospect lives up to the hype surrounding him or not. However, good news is doing the rounds, as Giancarlo Stanton seems to be making a comeback to the mound.

The Yankees feel relaxed with Giancarlo Stanton’s return

Amid the injury concerns lingering the opening day for the New York Yankees—something that’s too exciting for the fans—Giancarlo Stanton has returned and joined the spring training camp in Tampa. As per reports from MLB.com and Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone, Stanton has made a comeback, which is definitely good news; however, he may not participate in the spring training games prior to their relocation to New York. Stanton had a good 2024, as he had an average of.233, 27 home runs, 20 doubles, and 72 RBIs in the 114 games he played with the Yankees. But that’s not all!

The Yankees were unable to find a proper balance, missing out on him, as they were relying on the young prospect, Everson Pereira, all the time. However, with Giancarlo Stanton’s return, the Yankees get another right-handed batter who could provide a major boost in their lineup. Moreover, his great height of 6 feet 6 inches makes him a powerhouse who bats and throws quite effectively. And now having Stanton back in the team is like reinforcing the strategic move to maintain a competitive balance, which can work like a charm for the Yankees. 

Do you think Everson Pereira can emerge as a favorite, and does Stanton’s return solve the Yankees’ hitting crises? Let us know in the comment below.