RADIO
Freddy Peralta 2023 Player Outlook: Skills Remain But Health An Issue
2 years agoFreddy Peralta was unable to build on his 2021 breakout after missing nearly half of the season with shoulder issues. When healthy, Peralta looked good putting up a 4-4 W-L record, 3.58 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 86 Ks (78.0 IP). Peralta can consider himself a tad unlucky too with a 2.70 xERA while his xBA and xSLG both ranked in the 92nd percentile. He did see a drop off in his strikeout numbers, with a 27.1% K% in 2022 (down from 33.6% K% in 2021) and his average fastball velocity was down 0.8 MPH to 92.6 MPH. That was understandable given his health woes. Somewhat more concerning was after missing all of June and July, Peralta had another IL stint in September and only managed 9.2 IP (four outings) over the final four weeks of the season. He's expected to be fine for Spring Training but questions remain about if he can stay that way throughout the season. If he can, Peralta's 3.66 xFIP and 3.46 SIERA over the last two seasons (222.1 IP) is a tantalizing proposition with an ADP of ~141 (41st starting pitcher). And if he can get back near to the 33.6% K% from 2021, Peralta has the upside to be an SP2.
