Freddy Peralta

The right-hander was limited to 18 outings (17 starts) in 2022 due to lat and shoulder injuries, but he was able to stay healthy in 2023 and set career highs in starts (30) and innings (165.2). Peralta was one of the best strikeout pitchers in the league, with his 30.9 percent strikeout rate ranking fourth, and his .211 batting average against was also elite. However, a 1.4 HR/9 (double his 2022 figure) helped lead to a less impressive 3.86 ERA, though his 1.12 WHIP and 7.9 percent walk rate were also strong. A 16 percent HR/FB ratio was well above his career average entering the season, which could indicate some incoming positive regression after giving up 26 homers. Peralta's career-high workload sets him up for a potential ace-level campaign in 2024, especially if he's able to cut down the long balls closer to his career average of 1.1 HR/9. Read Past Outlooks