Report: Jhonny Peralta close to deal with Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy in recent days.
Earlier this week, the Cardinals traded hometown favorite and 2011 postseason hero David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim). St. Louis acquired outfielder Peter Bourjos in the deal that also saw the teams exchange two other players: outfield prospect Randal Grichuk went to the Cardinals and reliever Fernando Salas went to the Angels.
With Freese’s departure, a hole in the infield was created. But, it would appear the Cardinals have found at least part of the solution.
According to a report from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com and Baseball America, the Cardinals are “closing in on a deal” with free agent Jhonny Peralta.
Free agent Jhonny Peralta closing in on a deal with #STLcards, source confirms.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 24, 2013
The news, if, or it would seem like when it becomes official, would add to a busy day in Major League Baseball free agency. Earlier in the day it was reported that free agent and former Atlanta Braves’ catcher Brian McCann has agreed to a 5-year $85 million deal with the New York Yankees.
Peralta was limited to 107 games in 2013 due to a 50-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. The 31-year old hit .303 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI.
Peralta has spent part of 11 seasons in MLB, all with either the Cleveland Indians or Detroit Tigers.