D-backs agree to contract extension with OF David Peralta
Jan 13, 2020, 1:49 PM | Updated: 2:52 pm
David Peralta #6 of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 22, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
An Arizona Diamondbacks Gold Glover is hanging around a little while longer.
The team agreed to a three-year contract extension with outfielder David Peralta that was officially announced Monday. The contract that keeps him under team control through 2022 was first reported Friday.
Per USA today’s Bob Nightengale, the deal is worth a guaranteed $22 million with an additional $1.25 million in incentives. With the agreement, the two sides avoid arbitration.
“He has the ability to be an impact offensive player,” general manager Mike Hazen said. “He can run, he’s a good athlete, he has the ability to impact the ball both for average and for power. The work he does versus righties is really, really good.
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“And then I think given the progress and the consistent drive to improve himself defensively, as evidenced by the Gold Glove this year, is another thing to us signifying the pride that David takes in his game.”
Last season with the D-backs, Peralta played in 99 games, recording 105 hits, 57 RBIs, 12 home runs and a .275 batting average in 382 at-bats. He was also awarded for his defense in the outfield, taking home his first Gold Glove award. Peralta led all NL left fielders with 10 defensive runs saved. The award marks the second for Peralta, who took home Silver Slugger honors in 2018 after hitting .293 to go along with 30 homers, 87 RBIs on 164 hits.
It was a shorter season than Peralta would have liked, as the outfielder was placed on the injured list multiple times through the year. The previous two seasons, Peralta played in at least 140 games for Arizona.
“There is naturally, I think as players play more and more and more innings, there’s naturally some level of risk that we’re all sort of undertaking here,” Hazen said. “I think David’s work ethic, commitment to keeping himself in the condition that he does … I think that’s what gave us the confidence and continues to give us the confidence to do something like this.”
The extension is the latest move for the D-backs.
In addition to the Peralta extension Friday, the team reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with starting pitcher Robbie Ray.
On Thursday, the team agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Hector Rondon. It was also reported the team signed former Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Trevor Clifton to a minor league deal.
The D-backs’ first spring training game is set for Feb. 22. Arizona takes on NL West foe Colorado Rockies.
