Intent on defensive improvements, Perdomo quick to study new teammate's routine

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- By any objective measure, Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had an outstanding 2025 season.

The 26-year-old led all National League position players in bWAR with a 7.0 mark, walked more than he struck out -- 94 walks to 83 strikeouts -- and he was in the 87th percentile among Major Leaguers in outs above average with five. It resulted in him finishing fourth in the NL MVP voting.

And yet, there was something that gnawed at him throughout the offseason.

"I wasn't happy with my defense," Perdomo said.

When informed that he graded well in the outs above average metric, he shook his head.

"I don't care about the numbers," Perdomo said. "I made a lot of mistakes that cost a couple of games in the season too, and that's all that matters to me."

Understand -- Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo is a former Major League middle infielder and for him, there is no position more integral to a team playing good defense than a shortstop

Lovullo puts a lot on Perdomo's plate when it comes to making sure everyone is on the same page and positioned where they are supposed to be. The shortstop has the freedom to call for mound visits when needed and is the captain of the defense.

That means Lovullo's standards for Perdomo are higher than anyone else. The two have almost a father-son relationship, and like any relationship of that type there can be some conflict. So when Lovullo hears that Perdomo wasn't satisfied with his defense, that's music to his ears.

"That makes me happy," Lovullo said. "He's accountable, and he should be. I know it bothered him, it bothered me and it got to the point where it probably tested my relationship with him because I was on him so hard about tightening that up. He accepted it, but he got frustrated with me at times because I was on him and I want to avoid that."

Lovullo gave an example from last year when Perdomo did not make a play -- and was using a glove that wasn't all the way broken in.

"I asked him one time, 'Why are you using a glove out there that doesn't look like it's broken in?'" Lovullo said. "We had a lot of difficult conversations. So [his defense] didn't just bother him, it bothered me, because he's that good and he spoils us. I have all the faith in the world in him that he's going to be an elite defender for us this year."

Perdomo said that his defense was the main focus on his offseason, which included a stint in winter ball -- something he does every year to get himself ready for Spring Training.

"I worked on my defense, especially in winter ball," Perdomo said. "I focused on playing good, clean baseball on defense. The first step we make onto the field to practice this spring, my focus is on defense."

Perdomo has spent time this spring picking the brain of one of this generation's best defenders, third baseman Nolan Arenado.

The veteran, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Cardinals during the offseason, won 10 Gold Gloves and six Platinum Gloves in the first 10 years of his career. Perdomo has paid particular attention to how Arenado goes about his defensive work on a daily basis.

"I'm telling myself to be like him, to do what he did for 10 years in a row," Perdomo said. "We talk all the time. He's such a great player, he has an amazing mentality and I have enjoyed every second with him so far."

And if Perdomo finds another level with his defense while maintaining his offensive production from last year? Well, no one will be happier than Lovullo.