Diamondbacks 2024 Player Projections: Jace Peterson

The utility infielder is projected limited production in a small role

This article is part of a series taking a look into individual Diamondbacks player projections as we head into 2024 spring training. The projections presented are a composite of the rate (percentage) stats from Steamer and ZiPS as published on FanGraphs. The playing time projection is our own and is based on the current roster as of the time of this writing. Further roster changes will impact the playing time and thus the WAR projection, but not the rate or percentage statistics presented.

The D-backs brought veteran infielder Jace Peterson over from Oakland at the deadline to help address their third base hole and add another lefty bat. Peterson was less than impressive with the D-backs, although he did come up with a clutch extra-base hit here and there.

Peterson played a platoon role with the D-backs, appearing in just 41 games, with little production to show for it. 

The Projection

Alex D'Agostino

Peterson is expected to return to a level of production that he had hit at before his 2023. Last season was a big slump for the left-handed bat, so his projections expect him to perform better than the prior season.

That being said, he is expected to be a below-average player by nearly every statistical category, and our playing projections only expect him to get minimal playing time, with the addition of third-baseman Eugenio Suárez, and the ability of new signee Joc Pederson to fill in at the first base slot occasionally.

Peterson is expected to hit for a lower average, and provide little pop in the slug and OPS department. Although he is expected to walk at a decent rate, the numbers don't expect a huge year for the infielder.

Why Peterson might outperform this projection

With such a down year in 2023, it wouldn't require insane production to surpass a .234/.320/.353 slash. Peterson does provide above average speed and base running, and rarely whiffs.

In a pinch, he's a lefty bat that can offer some level of value to the D-backs, and he did hit .274 with runners in scoring position. If used in a more intentional, pinch-hit or pinch-run situation against right-handed pitching, he could provide some efficiency to his stat line and add some pop to overcome the modest projection. 

He's a veteran presence who's seen plenty of major league pitching, and could be primed to have a much better season than 2023 if given the right opportunities, but his numbers will depend on whether or not the D-backs have a legitimate use for him.

Why Peterson might underperform this projection

The 34-year old has only eclipsed a .250 batting average once in his career, and has never once slugged north of .400. Nothing truly suggests that Peterson will be able to have a breakout season at the plate, and while he could look a little better than his 2023 numbers, it would require a huge boost to surpass a 20-point improvement in his projections.

He ranked in the bottom 10% of MLB in xWOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity and barrel rate. He rarely squares up baseballs, and generally has to rely on his speed to win weak contact singles.

Although fielding at a perfect rate with Arizona, he provided -5 rDRS, and is a generally below average defender.

Considering the D-backs are loaded with lefty bats, and holes have been filled at nearly every infield position, there's little chance Peterson will get a great deal of playing time, if he even makes it out of spring training on the roster. Even in the event he does see the plate, he might not look much better than his 2023 self.

Summary

Peterson has had a modest career. He didn't do much for the D-backs in 2023, and is projected an improvement, albeit another less-than-stellar season in 2024. The D-backs won't have much need for him, but if they do call his name, he'll need to find a way to make more solid contact and be a more consistent bat if he wants to see decent playing time and overcome a modest projection.

Diamondbacks 2023 Player Reviews: Jace Peterson