After an impressive first season overseas with the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), outfielder Yonathan Perlaza is returning to the United States, signing a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres, which he confirmed on his social media.
The 26-year-old was born in Paramo Tucani, Venezuela. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, debuting at 17. He spent 2016-2023 reaching as high as Triple-A. He was released after 2023 and signed with the Hanwha Eagles for the start of the 2024 season.
In his first season in South Korea, Perlaza played in 122 games, hitting for a .275 average, adding 24 home runs and 70 RBIs on the year. He also stole seven bases and held an on-base percentage of .364.
Now, the outfielder is headed back to the United States for an opportunity to compete for an outfield spot during MLB Spring Training. With veteran outfielders Jurickson Profar and David Peralta in free agency, it could open a pathway that could lead to Perlaza potentially landing a bench spot in San Diego this upcoming March.
