Position: C
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 09/12/2005
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2023
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2029
Options Left: 3
Overview
Perez was one of two Venezuelan catchers who signed with the Pirates in January 2023. He’s an athletic catcher who was reportedly more defense-oriented when he signed, but he had a big first year at the plate.
2023-24
Perez had a far better debut season than Jonathan Rivero, who got the top bonus for that signing period. He showed unexpected power and had just one less walk than strikeouts. His batting line was 296/462/568. He caught in half his games, splitting the rest between first and DH, and threw out 28% of base stealers.
Perez returned to the DSL in 2024 and didn’t hit nearly as well, batting 238/337/338. His walk and K rates both got considerably worse. He started only 13 games behind the plate, throwing out 33% of base stealers.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2023: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.