Angels' Oswald Peraza starts season strong after encouraging spring

Peraza's improved swing mechanics and renewed confidence have the Angels hopeful he can provide an upgrade at second base.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the dynamic energy and technical precision of the sport.Peraza's revamped swing mechanics have the Angels optimistic he can provide a boost at second base.Anaheim Today

Oswald Peraza, acquired by the Angels at the trade deadline last year, has carried his strong spring training performance into the start of the 2026 season. After struggling at the plate with the Yankees and Angels in 2025, Peraza made adjustments to his swing mechanics, including changes to his leg kick, which have helped him hit .315 with an .888 OPS in spring training. Through the first seven games of the season, Peraza is hitting .286 with an .824 OPS, providing a potential upgrade at second base for the Angels, who received a combined .598 OPS from the position last year.

Why it matters

The Angels are hoping Peraza can provide consistent production at second base, an area that has been a weakness for the team in recent seasons. If Peraza can build on his strong spring and maintain his early-season success, it would give the Angels a much-needed boost in the lineup and help solidify their infield defense.

The details

Peraza explained that the key difference for him this year has been adjustments to his leg kick, which he has tweaked throughout his career. Last year, the Angels had him using more of a tap, but now he has gone back to lifting his leg a bit more, which he says has helped him feel more in rhythm and in control of his timing at the plate. Manager Kurt Suzuki has been encouraged by Peraza's work ethic and willingness to learn, and believes the results he's seeing so far are a product of that dedication.

  • Peraza hit .190 with a .549 OPS in 429 plate appearances with the New York Yankees in 2025.
  • The Angels acquired Peraza at the trade deadline last year, and he hit .186 with a .512 OPS in 95 plate appearances with the team.
  • This spring, Peraza hit .315 with an .888 OPS, which won him the starting second base job.
  • Through the first seven games of the 2026 season, Peraza is hitting .286 with an .824 OPS.

The players

Oswald Peraza

A second baseman acquired by the Angels at the trade deadline last year, who has carried his strong spring training performance into the start of the 2026 season.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' manager, who has been encouraged by Peraza's work ethic and willingness to learn, and believes the results he's seeing so far are a product of that dedication.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel a lot more in rhythm and a lot more comfortable with my leg kick. I feel more control and have better timing.”

— Oswald Peraza, Angels second baseman

“Just the observations of his work, in the infield and what he's doing in the cage, all that type of stuff that he's doing gets me excited with where he could potentially be. I know it's different going on the field than doing stuff on the side, but just the work, the mindset, his willingness to learn and to be open to different things is everything that you can ask for in a player. He's been seeing the results and the fruits of his labor a little bit too, so I think it's a good thing.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels manager

What’s next

The Angels will need to make a decision on infielder Vaughn Grissom, who is on a rehab assignment, by April 19 when his assignment expires. Grissom cannot be optioned, so the team will have to either add him to the active roster or potentially lose him.

The takeaway

Peraza's improved swing mechanics and renewed confidence have the Angels hopeful he can provide a much-needed upgrade at second base, an area that has been a weakness for the team in recent seasons. If he can build on his strong start, it would be a significant boost for the Angels' lineup and infield defense.