The New York Yankees have lost a prized outfield prospect to Tommy John surgery yet again.
The Yankees’ No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was placed on the full-season disabled list Thursday and is expected to need Tommy John surgery, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.
This comes less than a year after top outfield prospect Jasson Domínguez underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, after only eight games at the major league level. Domínguez recently completed a rehab assignment and is now in Triple-A.
Pereira, 23, was an international free agent who signed with the Yankees in 2017 for $1.5 million. After a sluggish start to his career due to injuries and the pandemic, Pereira took off in 2021, hitting.303/.398/.686 with 20 home runs, 57 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.084 throughout Rookie Ball, Single-A, and High-A.
Pereira advanced to Double-A in 2022, Triple-A in 2023, and even received an MLB call-up last season. However, he struggled with slicing in the limited time available.In 27 games, he batted 151/.233/.194 and had 10 RBIs.
Pereira spent the full 2024 season at Triple-A, where he was effective. In 40 games, he slashed.265/.346/.512 with 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and an OPS of.858.
However, Pereira will have season-ending surgery. According to Martino, he will undergo an internal brace technique, which is a less invasive version of Tommy John surgery. Domínguez underwent the same operation last year.
Pereira will most likely be ready for spring training next year, where he hopes to contend for a roster position at the start of the season. Pereira is the Yankees’ third-best outfield prospect, trailing Domínguez and Spencer Jones (who is now at Double-A).
The Yankees enter Friday with the best record in Major League Baseball, 49-22. Domínguez’s rehab trip did not result in a call-up, as the team’s outfield included Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham. Pereira would have had a far more difficult time earning one this year.
Domínguez will stay in Triple-A until an injury prevents him from receiving regular at-bats. Pereira had planned to create an outfield combo with Domínguez at Triple-A, but will now rely on Domínguez for rehabilitation due to an injury.
Pereira, the Yankees’ third-best outfield prospect, may have served as a trade asset at the deadline. They’ll have to go elsewhere in their farm system if they want to enhance MLB’s best team.
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