Cubs sign David Peralta to a minor league contract

The Cubs are in agreement with the corner outfielder David Peralta On the deal, FanSided's Robert Murray reports (X link). It's a minor league contract, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com (On X).

Peralta spent the 2023 season with the Dodgers. The veteran signed a $6.5 million free agent agreement with Los Angeles last winter. He suffered through one of the worst seasons of his 10-year major league career. Peralta hit .259/.294/.381 through 422 plate appearances. He still made plenty of contact but only hit seven home runs, his lowest full-season tally since the injury-ravaged 2016 season. His base and slugging marks were the lowest of his career.

Presumably, injuries played a role in the drop in production. At the end of the season, Peralta underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his arm. Reports at the time indicated that he was expected to return to pitching and batting by March. It is possible that Peralta will be delayed in spring training. To say the least, he is coming off an unusual season.

Between mediocre offensive performance, injury, and Peralta's age (36 years old), he was limited to minor league pitching. He's a quality pickup and has been a solid contributor through 2022. Peralta combined for a slightly above-average .251/.316/.415 batting line in 490 plate appearances with the D-Backs and Rays two years ago. He has earned solid grades in left field defense throughout his career and earned a Gold Glove in 2019. Assuming his arm strength is intact after he recovers from flexion surgery, he should be a stable defender in the outfield.

The Cubs don't have a clear path to everyday play at corner outfield. Sia Suzuki And Ian Happ That these positions be settled. Peralta is not a candidate for the center field, as Mike Tushman The highest probability Crowe Armstrong House They are the expected top options (at least pending Cody Bellinger Free agent decision). If Peralta hits the bullpen with an MLB team, he will add a solid veteran presence to the bench and could log some reps in the outfield on days when Suzuki or Happ get a break at designated hitter.