With Peraza and Volpe graduated, I think we as Yankee fans understood that Jasson Dominguez was the next Big Yankee Prospect to dream over. That’s understandable—The Martian was an insanely talented high profile signing—but he’s having a so-so year at Double-A. You know who isn’t having a so-so season? Everson Pereira.
Peirera is hitting .306/.373/.566 between Double-A and Triple-A. At 22 years old, he’s one of the youngest hitters at his level. He can hold his own in center, but has been playing mostly in the corners at Triple-A. He also has big time power. Check out the two bombs Pereira hit to center field last night:
This breakout isn’t anything new for Pereira. In 2021, after an injury-filled first half that almost got him traded to the Rangers for Joey Gallo, Pereira had a monster summer. He hit a monster 20 home runs in 49 games (66 home run pace over 162 games) as a 20 year-old in the low minors.
Unlike toolsy prospects like Dominguez, Pereira’s scouting reports have never been overwhelming. He’s a strong all-around athlete, but no one seems to think he is a 40 home run hitter in the majors. Still, Pereira has done nothing but hit in the minors. He’s progressed steadily up the ladder despite losing his age-18 season to COVID. Unlike even a top-10 prospect like Anthony Volpe, Pereira has arguably gotten better in the high minors.
Better yet, Pereira is on the 40-man roster. All the Yankees would have to do to call him up tomorrow is send down a relief pitcher or cut a bench player. I think they will give him a little bit more time at Triple-A, but he might not need much. We might see him in a few weeks. I hope the Yankees give him an audition to make the 2024 team. I’m imagining a starting nine on opening day that includes Pereira, Volpe, Peraza and Rortvedt.
How good could Pereira be? We should probably keep our expectations in check given that he likes to strike out. Maybe Anthony Santander with better defense: .250/.330/.480, worth 3-4 WAR during a good year. Not bad! Maybe the Yankees can create their young, cheap core after all.