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This article is part of a series taking a look into individual Diamondbacks player projections as we head into 2024 spring training. The projections presented are a composite of the rate (percentage) stats from Steamer and ZiPS as published on FanGraphs. The playing time projection is our own and is based on the current roster as of the time of this writing. Further roster changes will impact the playing time and thus the WAR projection, but not the rate or percentage statistics presented.
The D-backs brought veteran infielder Jace Peterson over from Oakland at the deadline to help address their third base hole and add another lefty bat. Peterson was less than impressive with the D-backs, although he did come up with a clutch extra-base hit here and there.
Peterson played a platoon role with the D-backs, appearing in just 41 games, with little production to show for it.
The Projection
Peterson is expected to return to a level of production that he had hit at before his 2023. Last season was a big slump for the left-handed bat, so his projections expect him to perform better than the prior season.
That being said, he is expected to be a below-average player by nearly every statistical category, and our playing projections only expect him to get minimal playing time, with the addition of third-baseman Eugenio Suárez, and the ability of new signee Joc Pederson to fill in at the first base slot occasionally.
Peterson is expected to hit for a lower average, and provide little pop in the slug and OPS department. Although he is expected to walk at a decent rate, the numbers don't expect a huge year for the infielder.
Why Peterson might outperform this projection
With such a down year in 2023, it wouldn't require insane production to surpass a .234/.320/.353 slash. Peterson does provide above average speed and base running, and rarely whiffs.
In a pinch, he's a lefty bat that can offer some level of value to the D-backs, and he did hit .274 with runners in scoring position. If used in a more intentional, pinch-hit or pinch-run situation against right-handed pitching, he could provide some efficiency to his stat line and add some pop to overcome the modest projection.
He's a veteran presence who's seen plenty of major league pitching, and could be primed to have a much better season than 2023 if given the right opportunities, but his numbers will depend on whether or not the D-backs have a legitimate use for him.
Why Peterson might underperform this projection
The 34-year old has only eclipsed a .250 batting average once in his career, and has never once slugged north of .400. Nothing truly suggests that Peterson will be able to have a breakout season at the plate, and while he could look a little better than his 2023 numbers, it would require a huge boost to surpass a 20-point improvement in his projections.
He ranked in the bottom 10% of MLB in xWOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity and barrel rate. He rarely squares up baseballs, and generally has to rely on his speed to win weak contact singles.
Although fielding at a perfect rate with Arizona, he provided -5 rDRS, and is a generally below average defender.
Considering the D-backs are loaded with lefty bats, and holes have been filled at nearly every infield position, there's little chance Peterson will get a great deal of playing time, if he even makes it out of spring training on the roster. Even in the event he does see the plate, he might not look much better than his 2023 self.
Summary
Peterson has had a modest career. He didn't do much for the D-backs in 2023, and is projected an improvement, albeit another less-than-stellar season in 2024. The D-backs won't have much need for him, but if they do call his name, he'll need to find a way to make more solid contact and be a more consistent bat if he wants to see decent playing time and overcome a modest projection.
More must-reads:
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Chicago Cubs eyeing familiar closer with 107 career saves
The Chicago Cubs are going to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, which is July 31. While third base is an obvious area of need, they also reportedly are looking at strengthening their bullpen. One player they have had an eye on, both now and in the past, is Kyle Finnegan. Recent reports have re-tied Kyle Finnegan to the Chicago Cubs Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic recently reported that Kyle Finnegan is one player that the Cubs have their eye on. Chicago has been tied to him in the past, as they expressed interest in him over the off-season. Additionally, before the emergence of Daniel Palencia, they were urged to trade for him earlier in the season. How would Kyle Finnegan fit into the Cubs bullpen? Throughout his Nationals career, Finnegan, a right-handed closer, has racked up 107 saves since 2021 and has a career 3.68 ERA. This year, his results have not been as good as previous seasons, evidenced by a 4.62 ERA, however he does have 19 saves and his experience in high-leverage situations would be beneficial in a post season match up. Finnegan is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, meaning a trade to acquire him likely wouldn’t require a significant prospect haul. His addition wouldn’t necessarily push Daniel Palencia out of the closer role, but instead, he could slot into a setup role alongside Ryan Pressly. For manager Craig Counsell, it would simply add another dependable arm to an already strong bullpen, providing more flexibility in high-leverage situations. As the deadline draws closer, Finnegan could emerge as a realistic and impactful target to bolster the late-inning mix.
WNBA All-Star Game ratings paint a troubling picture
WNBA players sent a message to the league with T-shirts they wore ahead of the All-Star Game on Saturday night, but the ratings for the game did not exactly strengthen their stance. Prior to the All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., Caitlin Clark and other players warmed up in shirts that said “Pay us what you owe us” across the front. The message had to do with the current state of collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the WNBA and WNBA Player’s Association. Unfortunately for the players, the television ratings for the game were not very good. Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported on Tuesday that the WNBA All-Star Game drew 2.19 million viewers on ABC, which was down roughly 36% from a year ago. Last year’s game featured the WNBA All-Stars against the Team USA squad that was preparing to compete in the Summer Olympics in Paris. The dip in ratings is likely another example of the type of impact Clark has had on the WNBA. Although she was a team captain for this year’s All-Star Game, Clark did not play due to a groin injury. Clark played in last year’s game for the All-Star side, as she did not make the Team USA Olympic roster. Many fans were outraged that she was snubbed from the Olympic team, which added an element of intrigue to the All-Star Game. There is no way of knowing for certain whether more fans would have watched the All-Star Game on Saturday night had Clark played. It is a safe guess, however, especially when you look at some recent trends for the league.
Tyrann Mathieu retirement highlights compelling Hall of Fame case
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