By Dave Benson
Updated Mar 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
In a move that could reshape the roster for years to come, the New York Yankees have completed a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Twins. The deal sends top prospect infielder Oswald Peraza, along with left-handed pitcher Henry LaLane and right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler, to the Twins in exchange for 25-year-old third baseman Royce Lewis.
Once heralded as one of the Yankees’ most promising prospects between 2020 and 2023, Oswald Peraza struggled to secure a regular role at the Major League level, falling behind emerging talents like Anthony Volpe, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Austin Wells. With Peraza now out of minor league options and his future with the organization uncertain, the Yankees opted to explore trade possibilities.
As the team prepared for their home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, insiders noted that Peraza would likely miss pregame ceremonies, signaling a shift in the organization’s long-term plans. Despite Peraza entering spring training with a shot at the starting third base job, veteran infielder Pablo Reyes has since overtaken him on the depth chart, while Oswaldo Cabrera remains the primary option at the hot corner.
Facing the need to clear roster space, the Yankees decided to designate Peraza for assignment—a move that ultimately led to trade discussions with the Twins. According to MLB analyst Jim Bowden’s earlier predictions, New York was open to trading Peraza alongside promising arms Henry LaLane and Cam Schlittler. That scenario has now materialized.
“Royce Lewis is a dynamic, right-handed bat with tremendous upside, and this deal gives us the upgrade we need at third base as DJ LeMahieu’s career winds down,” said a Yankees official. “While we’re saying goodbye to talented prospects, this trade positions us for a competitive future.”
Royce Lewis, 25, has impressed when healthy despite his history of knee and oblique injuries, and he remains under team control through 2028. His power and potential as a middle-of-the-order hitter are expected to provide a spark to the Yankees’ lineup, even as he carries some risk due to his injury history.
Meanwhile, Minnesota adds depth to their roster with a package that includes a once-highly touted prospect in Peraza, who is still regarded as an elite defensive player, along with two promising pitchers who have shown significant potential in the Yankees’ farm system.
With the trade now officially completed, both organizations are looking ahead to the upcoming season with renewed focus. For the Yankees, the acquisition of Royce Lewis signals a bold commitment to retooling at third base, while the Twins welcome a multifaceted package that could help accelerate their rebuild.
Stay tuned for further details and analysis as both teams integrate their new pieces for the 2025 season.
