All of the top-tier free agents have signed, but there’s plenty of opportunities for teams to add impact players who can help contribute toward a playoff push, like David Peralta.
Peralta, 35, has been a productive outfielder in nine major-league seasons. He’s hit .281/.339/.457 with 110 home runs and 486 RBI. He primarily plays in left field, but has played all three outfield positions throughout his career, and even won a Gold Glove in 2019. Peralta’s also been lauded by teammates for his clubhouse presence, both with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays.
As of Jan. 20, Peralta remains unsigned. So what teams might be in the market for the veteran outfielder? Here are three possibilities.
David Peralta destinations: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers expressed interest in Peralta at least season’s trade deadline before he was traded to the Rays. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if they had interest once again.
Right now, the Dodgers’ outfield consists of Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor, Tracy Thompson, James Outman and Jason Heyward. They are on the lookout for additional outfield help — Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds or the St. Louis Cardinals’ Dylan Carlson would make sense — but Peralta would be cheaper (he’s likely to command a one-year contract) and allow them to keep their top prospects.
Outfield is the Dodgers’ top priority the rest of the offseason, so expect them to make an addition at some point. I just happen to think Peralta is the guy that they should sign.
David Peralta destinations: New York Yankees
I recently wrote that the Yankees should pursue Adam Duvall. With Duvall now signed with the rival Boston Red Sox, and other free-agent outfielders such as Andrew McCutchen off the board, Peralta makes plenty of sense in New York.
After all, the Yankees’ lineup is right-handed heavy. Peralta, who hits left-handed, would help balance their lineup and give the team a strong No. 4 outfielder. Outfield is a need for the Yankees even after signing Aaron Judge and signing Peralta, who should command a contract similar to the $7 million, would seamlessly fit into their payroll.
David Peralta destinations: Texas Rangers
The Rangers have been among baseball’s most active teams this winter, signing right-handers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, among others.
But now it’s time for the Rangers to add to the offense. The front office has poked around free-agent outfielders, according to sources, and Peralta would go a long way toward upgrading left field. Just take a look at their production from left fielders last season: .186/.253/.256. Peralta hasn’t hit below .251/.316/.460 in his entire career.
The Rangers are done with their heavy lifting this offseason. But on a one-year contract worth around, say, $6 million, Peralta makes all the sense in the world.