The Mariners have lost left-hander Sammy Peralta to the White Sox, who claimed him off waivers and sent him to Triple-A. This move comes as a twist in Peralta’s turbulent season, reflecting the high stakes and fast-paced decisions in Major League Baseball.
Peralta’s Year
Sammy Peralta, 26, started the year with the White Sox before the Mariners claimed him off waivers. His stint with Seattle was short-lived, marked by a disappointing 9.24 ERA in 12 appearances at Triple-A. The Mariners couldn’t justify keeping him, especially with right-hander Eduardo Salazar emerging as a better option.
Drafted by the White Sox in the 18th round of the 2019 draft, Peralta showed promise in his early career. He climbed the minor league ranks, reaching the big leagues in 2023. During his time with the White Sox, he posted a 4.05 ERA over 20 innings. While his strikeout rate was respectable at 20%, control issues plagued him, with a high 12.2% walk rate.
White Sox’s Perspective
For the White Sox, reclaiming Peralta is about bolstering their bullpen depth. Manager Alex Cora emphasized the potential he sees in Peralta: “He’s got good stuff. He’s interesting.” This suggests that the team believes Peralta can still be an asset if he can refine his control and address his issues with the long ball, which hurt him at the Triple-A level last year with a 5.09 ERA.
The Bigger Picture for Mariners and White Sox
The Mariners, dealing with their roster constraints, had no choice but to expose Peralta to the waiver wire. Their gamble didn’t pay off, as the White Sox, needing depth and seeing an opportunity, swooped in.
What’s Next for Peralta?
Peralta’s return to Chicago offers him a chance to stabilize his career. He’ll join the Triple-A team but remains a viable option for the White Sox bullpen, especially if he can control his walks. The team currently relies on lefties Tim Hill, Tanner Banks, and Jared Shuster. Adding Peralta gives them another left-handed arm that can pitch multiple innings, which could be crucial as the season progresses.
Sammy Peralta’s journey highlights the volatility and rapid changes players face in MLB. For the Mariners, it’s a loss of potential talent, but for the White Sox, it’s a calculated risk that could pay off. Peralta has the tools; now, he needs to find consistency. As he rejoins his original MLB team, all eyes will be on his performance and whether he can seize this second chance to prove his worth.
