Geraldo Perdomo’s Remarkable Ascent in the Diamondbacks’ Wild Card Quest
Geraldo Perdomo might not walk away with the National League MVP award this season, but the Arizona Diamondbacks’ shortstop has undeniably emerged as one of the most compelling stories in Major League Baseball. His unexpected rise has not only captured the attention of fans and analysts alike but has also played a pivotal role in propelling the Diamondbacks into contention for the final NL Wild Card spot, sitting just 1.5 games back with 11 games remaining.
A Dual Threat in the Infield
Perdomo has long been known for his defensive prowess, showcasing elite fielding skills that could earn him Gold Glove consideration. However, this season, he has added a potent offensive punch that has transformed him into a dual threat. Entering Tuesday night, Perdomo boasts an impressive 6.6 Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) according to FanGraphs, placing him third in the National League. Only Shohei Ohtani and Trea Turner surpass him, with fWARs of 6.8 and 6.7, respectively.
This 25-year-old switch-hitter has made significant strides in his offensive game, particularly in the quality of his contact. While he may not have the home run power of Ohtani, his consistent contact and improved metrics have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best players. Notably, his expected weighted On-Base Average (xwOBA) has seen a remarkable increase, second only to Toronto’s George Springer from 2024 to 2025.
Statistical Breakthroughs and Career Highs
In a striking turnaround, Perdomo has hit 19 home runs this season, a significant leap from the 14 he accumulated over his first four Major League seasons combined, which spanned 1,206 at-bats. His weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) has skyrocketed from a career average of 85 to an impressive 138 this season, with 100 being the league average. Additionally, he has stolen a career-high 26 bases, demonstrating not only speed but also an aggressive approach on the basepaths.
Throughout this transformation, Perdomo has maintained his status as a reliable defender, becoming even tougher for pitchers to strike out. His evolution as a player has been a key factor in the Diamondbacks’ surprising resurgence, especially after they were positioned as sellers at the Trade Deadline.
The Magic of Baseball
Baseball’s unpredictable nature often reveals itself in the most unexpected ways, and for Perdomo, something has undoubtedly clicked this season. His exceptional hand-eye coordination, which has long been an asset in the field, has seamlessly translated to his performance at the plate. This newfound offensive dynamism has been a driving force behind the Diamondbacks’ thrilling late-season push.
As the season winds down, the future remains uncertain for Perdomo. However, there is no denying that he has cemented his status as one of baseball’s standout players in the 2025 season. With his blend of defensive skill and offensive capability, Perdomo not only embodies the spirit of the Diamondbacks’ playoff aspirations but also adds an exciting chapter to his career narrative.