ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Angels have acquired infielder Oswald Peraza from the New York Yankees in exchange for outfielder Wilberson De Pena and international bonus pool money, according to MLB Network Insider Joel Sherman. 

Peraza is hitting .152 with a .452 OPS in 71 games played this season. 

“It’s a classic change of scenery guy,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. “Obviously, he’s not performed well from an offensive standpoint at the major league level. But defensively, it’s a very intriguing player. Historically, from a minor league standpoint, he’s performed offensively, can play different positions, can really defend at third base, can also play short and second. So, 25 years old, just a classic change of scenery. We felt like it was an outstanding opportunity to take a chance on a guy that has talent, and we’ll see how it plays out.”

Once a top-100 prospect in baseball, Peraza has yet to stick in the big leagues, as he’s played in parts of the last four seasons with the Yankees, and this year’s 71 games played are the most in his career. His career numbers show a .190 average with a .548 OPS in 145 games.

Peraza can play either second base, third base or shortstop, though most of his career appearances have come at third. This may provide extra depth at the hot corner for the Angels, given Yoán Moncada’s struggles to stay healthy. 

“Obviously that’s part of it,” Minasian said of Moncada’s health being a factor in this trade. “You look at everything. Peraza’s versatility and control and age obviously were a more significant part of that. His ability to defend at third base, historically, what he’s done at the minor league level with the bat, there’s a lot of things to point to that felt like it was an intriguing player to take a look at.”