The White Sox have reportedly reached a one-year, $5 million agreement with veteran left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez, pending a physical examination. The team has yet to formally announce the signing.
Secure White Sox tickets for the 2025 season Pérez, who will be 34 years old on April 4th, has a 13-season Major League Baseball career, including nine with the Texas Rangers. Over more than 1,500 innings pitched, he holds a 4.44 ERA and has recorded 90 wins. The Venezuelan pitcher was an All-Star in 2022, achieving a 2.89 ERA in 32 starts for Texas.
Last season, Pérez pitched for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres, compiling a combined 4.53 ERA with 107 strikeouts across 135 innings. He made 16 starts for Pittsburgh, posting a 2-5 record with a 5.20 ERA in 83 innings, before missing a significant portion of June due to a groin injury. While on the injured list, he was traded to San Diego, where he returned to form.
In 10 starts for the Padres, Pérez compiled a 3-1 record with a 3.46 ERA in 52 innings. The Padres won his first six starts and eight of the ten games he pitched. In four of his final six starts, Pérez allowed one or zero earned runs.
The White Sox’s current strategy is not focused on acquiring high-profile free agents. Their 2025 focus is on evaluating their developing players and building for future seasons. This includes providing opportunities for young pitchers like Jonathan Cannon, Davis Martin, Drew Thorpe, and Sean Burke.
The team recently signed Bryse Wilson, a seven-year veteran with starting experience, but Pérez represents the type of veteran starter who can effectively mentor a young pitching group.
Young pitchers can experience inconsistency. Experienced players like Pérez not only offer leadership but also provide much-needed stability to the starting rotation. In 2022, Pérez pitched 196 1/3 innings. While he hasn't reached that mark in the past two seasons, he has demonstrated the ability to be a reliable workhorse, preventing overuse of the bullpen as young pitchers gain experience.
Pérez also provides versatility. If the starting rotation isn’t the best fit, or if another starter is ready for a Major League opportunity, Pérez can transition to the bullpen, providing leadership there as well. He performed well as a reliever for the Rangers in 2023 (2.70 ERA in 15 appearances) during their run to the World Series title.
