Dodgers: MLB Insider Really Likes David Peralta Addition for LA
Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers added another proven veteran bat to their lineup, signing long-time Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta to a one year deal. The 35-year-old spent the majority of his major league career with the Diamondbacks up until he was traded to Tampa Bay last year.
Peralta has already earned a reputation as a consistent left-handed hitter and is sure to benefit LA. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi voiced his opinions about the new pick up and what he expects Peralta’s impact to be on the team:
“Tremendous bat, for me. … He can move around the outfield for you, certainly knows the division very well, gives you a steady presence from the left side. … I’ve always really appreciated David Peralta’s game, and I think the Dodgers do, too. He will add a lot to that mix of outfielders. Of course, they have lost Cody Bellinger. Sort of TBD on what exactly Chris Taylor’s role might be. … He’s someone that gives you steady power, a really thorough at-bat, and when you talk about the right/left balance of this team, of course they lose Bellinger as a lefty bat, they lose a righty bat in Turner, and Peralta’s always been someone that can bat in different spots of the lineup for you.”
The Dodgers have been seeking to upgrade their outfield depth and versatility, and Peralta is sure to do just that. While LA already has the likes of Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor, Peralta provides a different kind of option, as a pure contact hitter who can spray the ball to all fields. His ability to hit for contact, get on base, and play solid defense will make him a valuable piece in a clubhouse that already has plenty of star power.
He’ll compete for playing time in a potential left field platoon with Trayce Thompson.
Peralta’s veteran presence and playoff experience can also provide intangible benefits that may make a difference in tight games. With Peralta in the lineup, he should certainly help the team in their quest for another division title and a deeper postseason run.
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Here’s a thought, since it looks like the organization is all in on Lux playing shortstop they should try putting him batting leadoff. That would drop Mookie and Freddie one spot and a chance to produce more RBI’S. And it would keep the righty,lefty lineup. Here’s a mock lineup. Lux/ss,Mookie/rf,Freddie/1b,Smith/c,Muncy/3b,Martinez/Dh,Peralta/lf,Vargas/2b,and ninth who ever plays centerfield.
Love this acquisition; only issue is he doesn’t hit lefties. Platooning with Thompson in left would be wonderful if Trayce hit lefties well but he doesn’t.The Dodgers could conceivably have Muncy, Lux, Freeman and Thompson in the line-up against lefties. That’s a potential problem. Freeman and Muncy can probably hold their own against LHP; they will be joined by Martinez, Smith, Taylor, Betts and Vargas. Maybe that works but we would be stronger with one more outfielder with traditional splits against Lefties.