The impact of Geraldo Perdomo's breakout
Through 42 games of the 2023 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have exceeded early expectations and sit in second place in the NL West with a 24-18 record. Ketel Marte is back in near All-Star form, Zac Gallen shook off early rust, and Corbin Carroll has been as advertised.
However, one of the biggest factors in Arizona's hot start has been the emergence of Geraldo Perdomo, who has taken the starting shortstop position and been a bright spot on an already shining lineup.
Perdomo got a cup of coffee in 2021, playing in 11 games, slashing .258/.378/.419 with four extra-base hits but no home runs. The 79th-ranked prospect in 2020, he was ranked higher than the highly-praised Carroll at the time.
In 2022, Perdomo slashed .195/.285/.262 with 17 extra-base hits, 40 RBI, and 50 walks to 103 strikeouts. Despite having several struggles throughout the year at the plate, he tallied two OAA playing at third base and showed strong skills that have carried over to 2023.
Those skills that he showed are elite, as he showed impressive bat skills and an impressive eye at the plate with just about average speed, a perfect bottom-third or leadoff hitter style that also has shown the ability to have defensive versatility in the infield.
Through his first 30 games of 2023, Perado has slashed .341/.426/.524 for a .950 OPS, tallying 10 extra-base hits, 18 RBI, and walking 11 times to just 16 strikeouts. His 162 OPS+ and ability to put the ball in play are incredibly impressive and a huge part of the success of the team.
He ranks in the 82nd percentile in strikeout percentage, 71st in walk percentage, 91st in whiff rate, 92nd in chase rate, and defensively ranks 84th in outs above average.
From a production standpoint, his jump is by far the most prominent on the team, going from a player that looked destined to be an AAA player to being an everyday player at a high level. While he is not a power hitter, he plays well to Chase Park’s dimensions but hits far better away from Arizona.
Despite his struggles in 2022, Perdomo showed a strong mindset and ability to flush negative results during Spring Training, as he told the Arizona Republic he is ready to take on 2023.
"Last year, that's already played. We have a new year, different mind. I think we have to take advantage of the bad situation. I learned a lot from last year.”"
- Geraldo Perdomo to The Arizona Republic