Cincinnati Reds: José Peraza’s time may be nearing the end

José Peraza has had his share of struggles since the Cincinnati Reds acquired him in 2015. This season has been no different and it may be time to move on.

Since the Cincinnati Reds acquired José Peraza in a three-team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the Chicago WhiteSox in December 2015, Peraza’s role on the Cincinnati Reds has changed from season to season. The constant shuffling of positions and lack of consistent at-bats have caused Peraza to fall short of expectations. Is it time to move on from the 25-year-old?

In 2016, Peraza played the role of utility infielder, but still hit for an impressive .324 average with 3 home runs and a .352 on-base percentage in 256 plate appearances over 72 games. That first season in the organization really excited the front office and fans about the future of Peraza in a Reds jersey.

The following year, Peraza took over at second base for Brandon Phillips who was traded to the Braves. He struggled early on, hitting just .259 and owning a paltry .297 on-base percentage. He ultimately lost playing time as the season went on and Scooter Gennett took over as the every day second baseman.

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Peraza had a great season in 2018 after taking over at shortstop when Zack Cozart left as a free agent. Peraza batted .288 with 14 home runs, a .326 on base percentage and led the Reds in hits (182). His 133 singles led the National League.

Coming into the 2019 season, there was optimism that Peraza had cemented himself as a major contributor for this Cincinnati Reds team and was indeed the shortstop for the foreseeable future. However, Peraza has struggled, slashing .237/.284/.346, which has led to José Iglesias becoming the every day shortstop.

Peraza has ultimately become a utility player that plays the middle infield and left field. This role isn’t helping him either. The constant shifting of Peraza from the infield to the outfield, in order to get him ABs, seems to have resulted in Peraza making several missteps in the field. Peraza has seven errors on the season.

These circumstances aren’t ideal for a young player like Peraza, but they are what they are. In order to have consistent playing time and at bats, you need to earn it. Peraza hasn’t hit consistently, doesn’t get on base consistently and doesn’t play superior defense to make up for his offensive struggles at times. He hasn’t earned an everyday spot on this roster.

I think its time for the Cincinnati Reds to part ways with Peraza this coming offseason. Many fans may think it isn’t smart to give up on a 25-year-old player who isn’t a free agent until after the 2022 season, but the Reds have plenty of young players who’ve outperformed Peraza this season.

Josh VanMeter, Kyle Farmer and Freddy Galvis are all under team control next season and have outplayed Peraza all season. Whether any of them can fill the role of everyday starter is debatable, but Peraza has definitely not earned that title either. The possible presence of Derek Dietrich or José Iglesias on next year’s team makes Peraza even more expendable.

Peraza has failed to hit for average, hit for power and isn’t the versatile defensive player that other members of this Reds team have proven to be. Just because he can play both the infield and outfield doesn’t mean his should.

The Cincinnati Reds are going into a window of contention where every roster spot must go to players who perform and not just potential. You hate to give up on young players, but it happens. The Reds had to let the exciting Billy Hamilton go last offseason. Moving on from José Peraza isn’t easy but it is right thing to do going into the 2020 season.