D-backs’ David Peralta trade gets ‘C’ grade from ESPN’s Schoenfield

With the trade deadline set for Tuesday at 3 p.m. MST, the Arizona Diamondbacks have already made one key trade for experts to evaluate and discuss.

The Diamondbacks sent outfielder David Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league catcher Christian Cerda.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield addressed the trade from both teams’ point of view and handed out grades and analysis to the Rays and D-backs.

Cerda was born in the Bronx, but signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. There is some offensive potential here and with more walks (15) than strikeouts (12) this season, he’s at least showing some feel for the strike zone. But this is a pure lottery ticket.

Usually, teams settle for a couple low-level pitchers in this kind of deal, so at least give the Diamondbacks credit for thinking outside the box. Still, given the lack of decent hitters available, it’s a little surprising the Diamondbacks weren’t able to get a little more for Peralta. Check back in two years.

Grade: C

With Cerda only 19 years of age, the D-backs’ return will have to wait to be evaluated for the minor league catcher to reach the majors.

While appearing in 20 games for the Rays’ rookie ball affiliate, Cerda hit .315/.464/.519 to go along with two home runs and 12 RBIs.

On Monday morning, the Diamondbacks assigned Cerda to ACL D-backs Red, their rookie ball team.