Why did the LA Dodgers bet 8.3 billion won on a ‘0 home run’ hitter?
Major League Baseball’s official website (MLB.com) reported on the 11th (Korean time), “The Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million (approximately 8.3 billion won) contract with outfielder Peralta.”
Born in Venezuela, Peralta made his major league debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014, played only in Arizona, and transferred to the Tampa Bay Rays through a trade in July of last year. Last year, when he played for Arizona, he had a batting average of .248, on-base percentage of .316, slugging percentage of .460, 12 home runs and 41 RBIs. In other words, he did not hit even one home run after the trade. In the major leagues, he marked his personal career batting average of .281 with 110 homers and 486 RBIs, and in 2018메이저사이트, he won the Silver Slugger with a batting average of .293 with 30 homers and 87 RBIs.
Peralta, who became a free agent after last season, was eventually called up by the Dodgers. Why did the Dodgers invest 8.3 billion won in a hitter who had not hit a single home run since the San Diego Padres game on July 18 last year?
‘MLB.com’ said, “The Dodgers are expected to operate the outfield as a platoon, and Peralta’s joining will help maximize this.” And Chris Taylor will be responsible against left-handed pitchers.”
“MLB.com”, which said “Peralta provides insurance to the Dodgers outfield,” added, “It will also play a role in allowing prospect James Outman to fully settle in the big leagues.”
In addition, Peralta is a player who is accustomed to dealing with pitchers in the National League West because he has played for a long time in Arizona, and has a stable defense enough to win a Gold Glove in 2019, so he is a player who can sufficiently help the Dodgers outfield. Now, attention is being paid to whether Peralta, who is making a fresh start at the Dodgers, will be able to spread his wings again, escaping from the ‘0 home run humiliation after the trade’.
Meanwhile, Peralta will join the Venezuelan national team and participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).