Peterson, Díaz give A’s much-needed versatility
In Jace Peterson, the Oakland Athletics signed a player who not only offers the kind of defensive versatility they value, he’s also a self-professed fan of the Coliseum. Or at least its playing surface.
“I think it’s actually one of the nicer surfaces in the game, in my opinion,” Peterson said Tuesday.
That’s convenient as Peterson, 32, might patrol a wide swath of it in 2023. The A’s on Tuesday made official the free-agent signings of Peterson and Aledmys Díaz, both utilitymen. Peterson’s deal is for two years and $9.5 million, Díaz’s for two years and $14.5 million.
Both have made major-league careers partly out of being able to move around the field. Peterson, who spent the past three seasons with Milwaukee, said on a call with reporters that he expects more of the same with Oakland after speaking with manager Mark Kotsay.
“I think I’m going to play a little bit of everywhere and whatever matchups we need to be playing, kind of do different things,” Peterson said. “Just be versatile out there and go be a pro. That’s kind of what I’m going to bring to the table. … I’m definitely excited and I know my whole family is as well.”
Peterson played third base primarily in 2022 and rated well on defense. Sports Info Solutions assessed him 11 runs saved at third, fourth most in the majors. Statcast ranked him sixth with seven outs above average. He also played both corner outfield spots, first and second base for the Brewers.
The A’s used seven third basemen last season and the player who logged the most time there — Vimael Machín — was designated for assignment Monday. General manager David Forst said Peterson projects to play mostly third base, but other roster changes before spring could impact that.
“We’ll have to wait and see what else we’re able to do, whether it’s trade or free agent, bringing in other position players,” Forst said by phone Tuesday. “But I do like the fact that the two guys we’ve signed first have some flexibility when it comes to making other moves.”
Forst has cited improving the A’s offense as a priority after it produced historically low numbers in 2022. It seems fair to wonder how much impact Peterson or Díaz will have in that area. Peterson, in 740 games, owns a .231/ .321/.343 slash line and 83 OPSplus (100 is the MLB average), though he compiled a 97 OPSplus in his three seasons with the Brewers. Díaz, 32, is a career .266/.320/.443 hitter with a 105 OPS-plus. His OPS has dipped each of his past three seasons.
Peterson was on track for potentially his best season in 2022 before an elbow injury in July sidelined him for a month and he finished with a .698 OPS. Díaz, who can play all four infield spots, posted a .691 OPS with 12 homers in 92 games in 2022. Meanwhile, the A’s compiled a .626 OPS weighed down by lack of production at second base (.579) and third base (.550). So even contributions at a career norm from the free-agent additions would represent an upgrade.
Peterson, entering his 10th season, said he’s “excited”’ to connect with new A’s teammates and that signing a multiyear deal is a “blessing” after repeated offseason forays into free agency.
“Guys can get traded at any time, so you never know, but to have the security for a couple of years — and hopefully that’s in Oakland — I’m excited about it,” Peterson said. “And I’m looking forward to giving all I’ve got to Oakland.”