In 2022, Yonathan Perlaza embarked on an exciting career path. After spending a significant year with the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea within the KBO, former Cubs outfield prospect Yonathan Perlaza has now reached a significant milestone. Sources tell Just Baseball that he has agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, accompanied by an invitation to big league spring training. This move marks a new chapter in his baseball journey.

Uncovering Yonathan Perlaza's Baseball Odyssey

Early Career and Signing

Originally signed out of Venezuela in 2015 for $1.3 million as an infielder, Perlaza made a bold move by transitioning to the outfield full time ahead of the 2021 season. As he continued to fill out, remarkable changes began to occur. In 2021 alone, he launched a career-high 15 homers in just 99 High-A games. This performance set the stage for even greater achievements in the following seasons. In both Double-A and Triple-A the next two years, he hit an impressive 23 home runs each. His dedication and hard work were clearly paying off.During his 2023 campaign with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, Perlaza showcased his skills with a slash line of.284/.389/.534. Hanwha recognized his potential and signed him to a one-year, $1 million deal. With the Hanwha Eagles, he maintained a very similar level of production, hitting.275/.364/.486 with 24 home runs. This consistency in performance is a testament to his talent and ability.

Batted Ball Data and Approach

Beneath the surface, the batted ball data reveals an interesting story. Perlaza runs a 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 MPH last season, which is the same figure he posted in Triple-A the year before. This indicates above average pop on his hits. He has made a name for himself by feasting on fastballs while maintaining a solid approach at the plate. His ability to make contact and generate power has been a key factor in his success. Whether it's hitting the ball hard or making smart decisions at the plate, Perlaza has shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.He continues to work on his game, constantly striving to improve and reach new heights. With his recent deal with the San Diego Padres, there is a lot of excitement surrounding his future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in big league spring training and beyond. Perlaza's story is one of perseverance and determination, and it will be interesting to see where his baseball journey takes him next.