Peters signs with Dodgers, earns All-American

The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted D.J. Peters in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft, and by the beginning of the week, he and his representatives had worked out a contract with his favorite childhood team.

The recommended slot value of the 131st pick in the MLB draft is $442,400.

On Tuesday, Peters learned the National Junior College Athletic Association selected him as a third-team All-American outfielder.

“It’s very hard as a hitter to earn All-American from the SWAC conference,” said WNC outgoing coach D.J. Whittemore. “It happens once every three to five years.”

Peters became the fifth WNC player to receive All-American honors.

“It’s good to know that my personal accomplishments and our team accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed,” Peters said. “Without my teammates, I wouldn’t have received the award and I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in right now.”

Outfielder/pitcher Conor Harber earned the honor twice (2013-14), following pitcher Dylan Baker (2012), outfielder Brian Barnett (2009) and catcher Chuck Howard (2008) as All-Americans. Peters and Baker are the only Wildcats who were selected to one of the first three All-American teams; the others earned honorable mention.

After signing with the Dodgers, Peters traveled to Phoenix to work out with the team. He’ll remain in extended spring training until he’s assigned to one of the Dodgers’ minor league teams.

“The Dodgers have a great organization,” Peters said. “They care for their players as men and players. They are definitely a player-first organization.”

Peters improved his draft position 32 rounds after being taken in the 36th round in 2014 and 2015. The Region 18 Player of the Year set WNC single-season records in batting average (.419) and home runs (16). Among his career records at WNC are hits (153), total bases (248), RBI (104), runs scored (108) and homers (23).