Diamondbacks fan favorite David Peralta announces retirement

Former D-Back David Peralta announced his retirement via Instagram, thanking his family, coaches and organizations for the support he received during his 11 seasons in MLB.

“It was a lot of years of hard work, dedication and discipline,” he writes. “And I can now say with my head up that ‘I did it.’ The Freight Train has reached his final destination – HOME. Thank You BASEBALL!”

Peralta’s career was uncommon but memorable. Originally signed as a pitcher out of Venezuela, he reinvented himself as an outfielder after arm trouble threatened his future. That transformation led to an extended major league career defined by consistency, power and a strong connection to Arizona.

The “Freight Train” — as fans came to know him — made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2014 and quickly made an impact in the lineup. He earned National League All-Star honors in 2018, when he hit .293 with 30 home runs and 87 RBIs, while also winning a Silver Slugger. He also won a Gold Glove in 2019.

Peralta’s combination of elite defense and left-handed power helped stabilize Arizona lineups during several key stretches of his career.

It wasn’t just his level of play that made him a fan favorite, but also his personality. His emotional style of play resonated with fans who watched him grow from the start of his career into one of the franchise’s cornerstones.

Peralta was traded from Arizona in 2022, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres after his time in the desert. While his final seasons were spent in veteran roles, his willingness to adapt showcased who he was as a player — a team-first presence.

The retirement closes a chapter on one of the most dynamic careers in recent memory for the Diamondbacks, as Peralta leaves behind a legacy of perseverance that defined his generation within the organization.