Mets non-roster invitee to know: Jose Peraza

Not to be confused with Jose Peroza, a completely different New York Mets minor leaguer, Jose Peraza is someone you may recall seeing on the 2021 team for 64 games. He’s now back as a non-roster invitee. The utility man spent the 2022 campaign with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox performing exclusively in Triple-A.

Peraza has actually had big league success. For the 2021 Mets, he batted .204/.266/.380 in 154 plate appearances. Who else forgot he received that much playing time?

He’s actually a lifetime .266/.306/.372 hitter but hasn’t been nearly as productive from 2019-onward. Not nearly as speedy as he used to be, he’s more of an emergency infield option but an early one if the Mets need him.

How Jose Peraza can contribute to the Mets this season

As a non-40-man roster player, Peraza has at least one player to jump on the depth chart to become a viable big league option. Danny Mendick is the player the Mets brought in this offseason to play a similar role. However, with his current presence on the IL and no certainty he’ll be ready by Opening Day, Peraza could become the early season choice if needed.

There isn’t much competition on the infield. Particularly up the middle, the Mets don’t have a whole lot of MLB-ready guys. If Francisco Lindor or Jeff McNeil were to hit the IL, it’s Luis Guillorme who would step in. Peraza could get a promotion to fill in as the new infield utility man in Guillorme’s place.

One major prospect could block Peraza eventually. Once Brett Baty is deemed ready for the big leagues on a permanent basis, he’d be one player for the Mets to promote. The idea of moving Eduardo Escobar to a more part-time role is already something fans have in mind for later on this season. It’s the earlier part of the 2023 campaign when Peraza will have an easier time sneaking into the big leagues. The Mets aren’t going to promote Baty, nor should they, unless he’s going to play often.

Peraza’s ability to play all over the infield and give innings as an outfield makes him a worthy addition back onto the Mets roster. If he ends up with over 150 plate appearances again this year like he did in 2021, we’ll know someone has been hurt for a very long time.

The Mets have been careful about promoting their best prospects too soon. In April, Peraza is well ahead of Baty for a promotion as a part-timer. By May, the team should already start considering the kid over the MLB veteran.

Peraza is pure insurance. You never want to have to use him. You’re thankful you have him when he’s needed.