Angels Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Trade for Yankees Infielder Oswald Peraza

The Los Angeles Angels are staying in the playoff hunt — and they’re making moves to prove it. After pulling off a bullpen upgrade with veteran relievers Luis García and Andrew Chafin, the Angels continued their buying spree by acquiring versatile infielder Oswald Peraza from the New York Yankees just hours before Thursday’s trade deadline.

Instead of selling off key veterans like Kenley Jansen, Tyler Anderson, or Kyle Hendricks, the Angels made it clear they’re keeping their foot on the gas in pursuit of an AL Wild Card spot.

A Vote of Confidence in the Clubhouse

“We wanted to keep this group,” said GM Perry Minasian, explaining why the team held onto their pending free agents and chose to add depth instead. “It’s the best clubhouse I’ve had in the last five years I’ve been here.”

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The decision came as the Angels won three of four games leading into the deadline, climbing within four games of the third AL Wild Card. That late surge helped shift the team’s strategy — from potential sellers to confident buyers.

Trade Details:

Angels Receive: INF Oswald Peraza
Yankees Receive: OF Wilberson De Pena (Rookie-level), international bonus pool money

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To make room on the roster, the Angels designated infielder Kevin Newman for assignment.

Who is Oswald Peraza?

At 25 years old, Peraza is still viewed as a player with plenty of upside. While his Major League numbers have been underwhelming — slashing just .190/.263/.285 across 145 games — he’s known for his defensive versatility and elite speed.

This season with the Yankees, he hit just .152 with 3 home runs and 13 RBIs, but Minasian sees him as a “classic change-of-scenery guy.”

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“He hasn’t performed offensively at the big league level, but the tools are there,” Minasian said. “He can defend all over the infield, and his speed is legit. We think this is a chance worth taking.”

Peraza ranks in the 92nd percentile in sprint speed and can handle third base, shortstop, and second with ease. He remains under team control through 2029 and won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2027, although he is out of minor league options, meaning he must stay on the big-league roster.

Peraza’s Role in a Crowded Infield

The Angels’ infield is getting crowded. Peraza joins a mix that already includes Zach Neto, Luis Rengifo, and Yoán Moncada. Top prospect Christian Moore is also on the mend and started a rehab assignment Wednesday.

To make room when Moore returns, Scott Kingery is expected to be optioned, having yet to appear in a game since his call-up.

Newman, who signed a $2.5 million deal in the offseason, struggled with a .202 batting average and just two home runs in 57 games — paving the way for Peraza to take his spot.

Pitching Reinforcements Also on the Way

In addition to the infield shakeup, the Angels continue to revamp their bullpen. Luis García was activated Wednesday, and Andrew Chafin will be active Friday. With those changes, right-hander Sam Bachman is likely to be optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to free up space.

“You always need more bullpen,” Minasian said. “These guys aren’t just talented pitchers — they bring the toughness and leadership this group needs.”

The Bigger Picture

Rather than breaking the roster apart and selling veterans for prospects, the Angels are choosing to fight. At four games back in the Wild Card race, they’re hoping these moves — while not blockbuster in nature — can keep the team competitive down the stretch.

By bringing in high-upside talent like Peraza and bolstering the bullpen, the front office is signaling a clear message: This team isn’t giving up — and they’re not done competing yet.

Peraza is expected to join the team for Friday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox, marking the next step in the Angels’ playoff push.