Cubs lock up ex-Dodgers outfielder

David Peralta contract: Dodgers reportedly agree to 1-year deal with OF - True Blue LA

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed a former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder — but it might not be the one fans have been patiently waiting for.

The Cubs have locked up 1-time Dodger David Peralta to a deal, according to FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts on Monday spoke on the progress his team has had in trying to re-sign free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. Cubs fans hoping for the former NL MVP to call Wrigley Field home once again probably shouldn’t hold their breath just yet.

Peralta provides at least some outfield insurance in case a deal with Bellinger doesn’t come to fruition.

The Venezuelan slugger spent his first eight and a half seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Peralta is a .279 career hitter who earned the nickname “freight train” for the passion with which he runs the basepaths. He led the NL in triples in both 2015 and 2021.

However, Peralta is coming off his worst year with the Dodgers in 2023 and isn’t getting any younger. The 36-year-old batted .259 with 7 home runs and 55 RBIs in 133 games played. Peralta’s OBP (.294) and OPS (.675) both fell to career lows.

David Peralta's RBI single | 04/20/2021 | Arizona Diamondbacks

David Peralta Leaving Dodgers to Sign With NL Central Squad

Former Dodgers outfielder David Peralta is heading to the Chicago Cubs for next season. FanSided’s Robert Murray was the one to break the news of the agreement.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Peralta is signing a non-roster deal with the Cubs.

The veteran outfielder likely is looking for a similar role to what he had last season with the Dodgers. He appeared in 133 games for Los Angeles, hitting .259 with seven home runs and 55 runs batted in.

Peralta was a consistent presence in the Dodgers lineup a year ago, and he showed that he still has some fuel left in the tank. He helped the team get through some tough stretches early on, earning his role as a leader in the clubhouse.

David Peralta's RBI double | 09/14/2021 | MLB.com

Chicago has been looking for an additional outfielder all offseason, so Peralta will certainly be in the mix for a role with the team. With this signing, you have to wonder how this affects the Cubs’ potential pursuit of former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger.

Either way, Peralta should make the Chicago roster and provide them with a nice veteran to help guide the team forward. He holds a career batting average of .279 with 117 home runs and 541 runs batted in.