Diamondbacks Trade Fan Favorite David Peralta to Rays for Catching Prospect Christian Cerda
On a Saturday where the hot stove is hotter than ever, we see yet another trade. The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded long-time left fielder David Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Diamondbacks sent his expiring contract for 19-year-old catching prospect Christian Cerda.
The Deal
David Peralta, 34, made his major league debut in 2014 for the Diamondbacks and has been there for all nine of his big-league seasons. His story was remarkable, having started in the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a pitching prospect before arm injuries forced him to leave in 2009. After working at McDonald’s, he joined an independent league team in 2011, playing in indy ball until the Diamondbacks signed him as an amateur free agent in 2013.
The former Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner goes to the Rays amidst a season where he’s hitting .248 with 12 homers. This gives the Rays a much-needed power bat in the outfield. Peralta ranks third in career games played as a Diamondback and is in the top five in franchise history for hits, doubles, triples, and RBI. Peralta will be sorely missed by the Diamondbacks faithful. He is currently in the final season of a 3-year, $22 million contract.
On the flip side, the Diamondbacks receive Christian Cerda, a catching prospect. The 19-year-old made his professional debut with the Rookie Dominican Summer League Rays 1 in 2021. He has hit .315/.464/.519 with five doubles, two homers, 12 RBI, and 15 walks for the Florida Complex League (FCL) Rays in 20 games. To put it into perspective, Cerda was born on December 27, 2002. His trade counterpart, Peralta, signed his deal with the Cardinals a year and a half later. Cerda is young but is seeming to have no issue adjusting to professional pitching as he continues to rake.
Fresh Face
Seeing Peralta go will be tough for the Diamondbacks faithful, but it also has an upside. Corbin Carroll is making a rapid ascent through the minor league system, and this likely opens a spot for him. Carroll is hitting .308 with 25 homers and 20 stolen bases. For the Diamondbacks, he, along with Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy, are the future in the outfield, and he is a legitimate 30/30 threat. For the Rays, this is a solid trade to bolster their roster for another deep run. We have become accustomed to seeing the small market club make shrewd moves to keep pace with the Yankees in the division.
For the Diamondbacks, they receive a promising young prospect for a player on an expiring deal. Cerda can be an important piece for Arizona. Long run, it depends on Carson Kelly’s health and contract status. All in all, this is a trade that works for both sides. The Rays get their guy, and the Diamondbacks add another young piece to a promising core.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players mentioned:
David Peralta, Christian Cerda, Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Carson Kelly
