Potential Cincinnati Reds Trade Target: David Peralta
By Adam Hughes
Sep 24, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder David Peralta (6) at bat against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball’s off-season is well underway, and with the MLB Winter Meetings set to start tomorrow, the hot stove is crackling with activity and rumors. The Cincinnati Reds, in need of a corner outfielder who can hit, have watched player after player come off the board through trade or free agent signings, and their options are much more limited than they were even a week ago. One player who might be in the Reds’ sights, according to Jon Morosi at Fox Sports, is Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta:
#Reds have interest in #DBacks outfield depth, sources say. David Peralta is one name being considered. (Kevin Towers with Reds now.)
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 5, 2014
Why He May Be Available
Peralta had a strong rookie season with the Diamondbacks in 2014, despite playing in just 88 games, the plurality of them in righ field. He looked to be one of their building blocks but could now be expendable thanks to the Yasmany Tomas signing last month. With Mark Trumbo also in the fold, the D’Backs have an excess of outfielders.
Why He Fits for the Reds
After releasing Ryan Ludwick and trading Chris Heisey, the Reds have no one to play left field. Peralta looked fine at both corner outfield spots las season, and, more importantly, he hit .286 with a .320 OPB and a .450 slugging percentage. That slash line came long with eight home runs, nine triples and six stolen bases.
Why He Might NOT Fit for the Reds
The primary downside to Peralta is that his is 27 years old, long in the tooth for a second-year player you’re hoping to build around. His nice performance in such a small sample of games last year is likely not a true indicator of what he’ll do over a full year, or over several full years. Peralta is a left-handed hitter, and the Reds really need help against lefty pitchers – right-handed power should be their priority.
Still, the Reds are probably looking more for a one-year placeholder until they’re ready to hand left field to Jesse Winker.
Reds Prediction
Until Morosi’s Tweet, Peralta had not even crossed the minds of most Reds fans, but he looks like a decent fit for 2015. An insider’s knowledge of D’Backs players is one of the advantages of having Kevin Towers on staff, and if general manager Walt Jocketty can avoid selling the farm to get him, Peralta is worth a shot.