Reliever Wandy Peralta pitching for the New York Yankees. Image courtesy of AP Photo
MLB reliever Wandy Peralta has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres.
The contract is for four years and $16.5 million, averaging $4.1 million per year. The contract also includes three opt-outs, one after each season. With the Padres selling off major and expensive pieces this offseason, they have attempted to bolster their pitching. After trading Juan Soto to the Yankees in exchange for a haul of pitchers, they have also signed Peralta.
Great Stats
Peralta, 32, spent the last three seasons with the Yankees after being acquired in 2021. It was there where he had his career years, posting a 2.82 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 133 strikeouts in 153 innings. The Mets were also reportedly in on him as well, before he signed with San Diego.
Wandy played a major role in the Yankees bullpen as he was often the only lefty reliever in that pen. However, this off-season, the Yankees have brought in four lefty arms for that pen, and for a much cheaper price, negating Peralta’s necessity. They brought in lefty relievers Matt Gage, Matt Krook, Nick Ramirez, and Victor Gonzalez. The Mets, meanwhile, only have one lefty in their pen, Brooks Raley.
“You get what you pay for,” Tom Tresh said. “If the Yankees are indeed making low offers towards bullpen help, then the residual is going to be low-end relievers. Maybe they are saving their money for one more big free-agent splash. They don’t have the starting pitching nor solid bullpen that will take them deep into any potential playoff scenario.”
A lethal changeup and sinker combo is what Wandy primarily relies on. As a result, he does average less than a strikeout per inning, and has a high walk rate of 13.2%. These factors, combined with his age of 32, it is possible the Yankees felt they could bring in better and cheaper options. Their payroll is already over $300 million, the largest in franchise history.
Padres in Debt
The Padres lost star closer Josh Hader to free agency, when he signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Houston Astros. He was yet another example of a star talent which San Diego could not afford to keep due to their financial situation. It was reported that the team was over $50 million in debt in 2023, due to substantial spending.
