Dodgers Lose Free Agent Outfielder To Chicago Cubs

The 36-year-old outfielder joins his fourth team in three years.

David Peralta has a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award to his credit. He wasn't anywhere close to earning the latter in his only season in a Dodgers uniform.

Peralta, 36, got off to a slow start in 2023 and finished with a .259 average in 133 games as the Dodgers' primary left fielder against right-handed pitchers. He hit seven home runs and drove in 55, while reaching base at a .294 clip.

The Dodgers were not expected to bring Peralta back, especially after they signed outfielder Teoscar Hernández as a free agent. Monday, Peralta's departure became official.

According to multiple reports, Peralta has a deal in place with the Chicago Cubs. Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to report the agreement. 

Free-agent outfielder David Peralta and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 20, 2024

Financial terms of the contract have not yet been reported, but Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports it's a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The veteran outfielder earned $6.5 million in Los Angeles in 2023, offering a left-handed hitting complement to right-handed hitter Chris Taylor. 

The Dodgers recouped most of their investment via Peralta's glove. His eight defensive runs saved ranked 14th among all major league outfielders last season. Peralta was a finalist for a Gold Glove Award in left field.

Throws like this routinely prevented runners from taking the extra base with Peralta in the corner:

Although his offensive highlights were few and far between, Peralta did ingratiate himself to Dodger Stadium by delivering a walk-off single on Jackie Robinson Day — coincidentally, against the Chicago Cubs:

Now, Peralta will take his talents to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. The Cubs are notably missing a key piece of their 2023 outfield as Cody Bellinger remains a free agent. 

Peralta won't compensate for Bellinger's offensive production, but he can ideally provide leadership and a steady glove to an emerging team with postseason aspirations. 

In 10 major league seasons with three teams (Diamondbacks, Rays, Dodgers), Peralta has 117 home runs, 541 RBIs and a .279 batting average.