Oswald Peraza is a Venezuelan second baseman from Barquisimeto who reached the majors on September 2, 2022 at just 22 years old. Now with the Los Angeles Angels, he’s been a player defined by flashes of speed and defensive value — even as he continues chasing offensive consistency.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Oswald Peraza
- Position: Second Base
- Team: Los Angeles Angels
- Number: 2
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 201 lbs
- Born: June 15, 2000 (age 26)
- Hometown: Barquisimeto, Venezuela 🇻🇪
- MLB Debut: September 2, 2022
Background
Peraza grew up in Barquisimeto, Venezuela and came up through the New York Yankees minor league system, where he developed his footwork at second base and sharpened his speed on the basepaths. His MLB debut on September 2, 2022 was a milestone moment for the young infielder, who arrived with real expectations of becoming part of New York’s future infield core.
His time with the Yankees was brief but meaningful. Organizational shifts eventually pushed him toward free agency, opening the door to a new chapter with the Angels.
Professional Career
Since his debut, Peraza has been searching for the kind of offensive stability that matches his defensive tools. His 2026 season with the Angels showed genuine progress: a .236 average, 7 home runs, 24 RBI, and 12 stolen bases — a well-rounded line that highlighted his value beyond just the glove.
The 2025 season, however, was a rough one. In his Angels stint that year, Peraza hit just .186 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI, struggling to make consistent contact. Those numbers were a tough contrast to the potential everyone saw in him coming out of the Yankees system.
At 26, Peraza is still in the middle of figuring out his offensive identity. The Angels are betting on his defense and speed as the foundation — and if the bat catches up, he has the tools to be a legitimate everyday player.
Career Stats Highlights
- 2026 – Los Angeles Angels: .236 AVG | 7 HR | 24 RBI | 27 R | .649 OPS | 12 SB
- 2025 – Los Angeles Angels: .186 AVG | 2 HR | 7 RBI | 6 R | .512 OPS | 6 SB
- 2025 (combined): .164 AVG | 5 HR | 20 RBI | 24 R | .473 OPS | 9 SB
Awards & Records
Peraza has not yet earned individual MLB awards such as a Silver Slugger, MVP, or Rookie of the Year. His career is still in the building phase, and his most notable recognition came during his time in the Yankees minor league system. There’s still runway ahead.
One Thing That Never Goes Away
Even in his toughest offensive stretches, Peraza’s speed on the bases has never wavered. He swiped 12 bags in 2026, proving that even when the average dips, he can still change a game with his legs. That trait keeps him in lineups and makes him a genuine weapon in the right situation.
