Former Dodgers Top Outfield Prospect Trying Second Career as Converted Pitcher

Could the Dodgers roll the dice on an old friend?

We've seen several professional baseball players reinvent themselves in some form or fashion over the years.

Former Dodgers infielder Charlie Culberson is now trying his luck on the mound as a pitcher at age 34. Rick Ankiel most famously went from being a nasty left-handed pitcher to a power-hitting outfielder. 

In 2024, another former Dodger is aiming to take control of his career with a positional switch. 

Converted OF DJ Peters showed off an explosive mid 90’s FB (95mph) average of 21” Vertical break and a disgusting slider averaging 18” HB today 😤 Only one ball was fouled off, struck out every hitter 🤢🤯 pic.twitter.com/y0s7r2U40I

— PFA Sports (@PFAbaseball) January 18, 2024

According to a clip on Twitter, former Dodgers outfield prospect DJ Peters is now trying his hand at pitching. 

Peters hails from the Southern California suburb of Glendora. He was always considered to be a player with multiple tools at his disposal dating back to his days as a prep athlete. At 6'5" and over 220 pounds, he had plus power, a rocket for an arm and above-average athleticism. 

L.A. took him in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. After progressing through the Dodgers' farm system, Peters made his MLB debut in 2021. 

Looks like former #Dodgers prospect DJ Peters is making the switch from the outfield to the mound. Former 4th round pick in 2016 just turned 28 years old last month and is currently a free agent. Rooting for this guy big time https://t.co/TrfE0SqVzx

— Spencer Ward (@SpencerWard21) January 18, 2024

Initially, the hopes were that Peters would be a masher of left-handed pitching. He'd then provide some cover defensively anywhere in the outfield. Peters had the ceiling of someone who could theoretically be a full-time starter. 

This didn't exactly go to plan for the now-28-year-old. Three months after making his professional debut, the Dodgers designated him for assignment. He did have a short stint with the Rangers in which he impressively hit 12 HRs in 52 games. 

We saw glimpses of a player with light tower power -- yet the consistency at the plate wasn't there. Texas didn't bring him back, and as such Peters ended up bouncing around between a team in South Korea and the minor league systems of both Washington and Detroit. 

Based on the clip above, there seems to be some real talent in that arm. It would not be shocking to see a ballclub take a chance on Peters -- if for nothing else the reward would far outweigh the gamble.