The Arizona Diamondbacks have secured one of their best players for the future, signing star outfielder David Peralta to a three-year contract extension worth $22 million.
The deal, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, keeps the 32-year-old outfielder from becoming a free agent following the 2020 season and makes sure that one of Arizona’s top hitters remains in the outfield for the next three seasons.
Peralta, a Silver Slugger Award recipient in 2018, played in 99 games this past season and hit 12 home runs with a .275/.343/.461 slash line in 382 at-bats. While injuries prevented him from playing more during the year and he took a step back at the plate, he came away with a Gold Glove Award for his defense in left field.
If Peralta can stay healthy this upcoming season and tap back into the production he enjoyed in 2018 – when he hit 30 home runs with a .868 OPS – he could emerge as one of the best corner outfielders in baseball with his defense, power and consistent hitting at the plate.