Diamondbacks' Shortstop Perdomo Bolsters Offensive Sensibility with Steady Mannerism
Arizona's Geraldo Perdomo, signed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension, leads major league shortstops in on-base percentage and is tied for the lead in RBIs, as the season reaches its one-third point.
Perdomo, not Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, or Francisco Lindor, boasts an impressive offensive stat line for the Diamondbacks. His growth and maturity have brought power and production to the plate, positioning him for a career year.
With a switch-hitting approach, Perdomo is maintaining pace for a standout season. His offensive numbers have been steadily improving since a spring training injury in 2022, which accelerated his transition to a regular starter.
This season, Perdomo has hit .309/.404/.483 and tied a career high with six homers. His 13 doubles lead National League shortstops, and his 11 stolen bases are third. In addition, Perdomo, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts, and Juan Soto are the only National League qualifiers with more walks than strikeouts. His walk-to-strikeout ratio (+7) is the best among the four.
Diamondbacks' right-hander Zac Gallen has witnessed Perdomo's skills firsthand. "He [Perdomo] has always done a really good job of controlling the strike zone," said Gallen. "This year, it seems he is hitting the ball with a little more authority."
Perdomo's plate discipline and offensive prowess have been vital to the Diamondbacks' success. His ability to survey the strike zone and counter-punch the pitcher's attempts has earned him a strong reputation as a smart and adaptable player.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo praised Perdomo's growth, stating, "He's a very smart player [Perdomo]. He knows what the at-bat asks for, and he'll take a strike, work into counts, when a player is able to do that, there is confidence... He's a very comfortable young man emotionally and fundamentally, physically, he has grown into that."
The Diamondbacks have locked up Perdomo and second baseman Ketel Marte through the 2030 season, with Marte signing a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension early this season. The team is now seeking to find a suitable landing spot for top prospect Jordan Lawlar, recently promoted to the major leagues.
Perdomo checks in at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds and followed a nutrition and conditioning plan during off-seasons, adding about eight pounds this season. Lovullo commented on Perdomo's physical maturation, stating, "He is in his adult body right now. I think you are going to see him stay about the same size. It's just maintaining it. Learning who he is as an adult has really made a big statement to me, because he is a very comfortable young man emotionally and fundamentally."
Geraldo Perdomo, the Diamondbacks' shortstop, is tying for the lead in RBIs and boasts the highest on-base percentage among major league shortstops, showcasing his offensive dominance as the season progresses.
Perdomo's impressive performance for Arizona in the MLB has been acknowledged by teammate Zac Gallen, who praises Perdomo's improved hitting and control of the strike zone this season.
