Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers added another key veteran piece to their mix, signing outfielder David Peralta to a one-year, $6.5 million contract.
The 35-year-old split time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, hitting .251 with 12 home runs, 59 RBI, and a .731 OPS.
The veteran outfielder has won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award during his career.
Peralta made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Diamondbacks and was traded to the Rays at the deadline last season.
Before making his debut, he was a pitcher within the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
MLB Analyst Jon Morosi stopped by MLB Network yesterday to discuss the Dodgers’ latest signing and what Peralta could bring to the table.
David Peralta is reportedly heading back out West to join the Dodgers on a one-year deal!@jonmorosi breaks down the veteran presence and balance his bat will provide to the Dodgers lineup. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/itoInG66sc
—MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 14, 2023
Morosi talked about Peralta’s defensive versatility in the outfield and how he could be a steady presence from the left side of the plate in the Dodgers lineup.
Peralta is also very familiar with the NL West after several years in Arizona.
Morosi also touched on the fact that Peralta can provide power in the lineup and that his presence can somewhat make up for the departure of Cody Bellinger, who signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Peralta can also hit different spots in the lineup.
Morosi showed the Dodgers’ projected lineup for 2023, which has Peralta in the eighth spot and playing left field, potentially splitting time with Chris Taylor.
The signing of Peralta is also a stark contrast from what the San Diego Padres are doing right now, as Morosi pointed out.
San Diego obviously spent big on Xander Bogaerts.
Peralta is just the latest frugal addition for the Dodgers.
NEXT:
Former Dodgers Star Set To Address Recent Legal Concerns
