Chicago adds another veteran arm to the mix
The White Sox continue to add veterans to their big league roster. Yesterday, they agreed to terms with Martín Pérez on a one-year deal for $5 million. The contract includes a $10 million mutual option or $1.5 million buyout for 2026.
Welcome to the team, Martín! pic.twitter.com/jHsPG1sz4I
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 21, 2025
The southpaw went 5-6 with a 4.53 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres last season. In 26 appearances, he earned a 1.48 WHIP and struck out 107 batters over 135 innings. Pérez was more effective in the second half with the Padres as he had a 3-1 record and a 3.46 ERA over 10 starts. His last year’s 0.9 WAR would have ranked fifth for starting pitchers on the South Siders’ 2024 roster.
Over his 13-year career, the lefty has amassed a record of 90-87 with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. He made one All-Star appearance representing the Texas Rangers in 2022 for the best season of his career and was also a World Series champion with the Lone Stars in 2023. Pérez should slot nicely into the starting rotation and serve as a solid veteran presence to all the young arms expected to be in the mix for Chicago.
Pérez’s main pitching repertoire features a sinker, circle changeup, cutter, and curveball. Occasionally, he’ll also throw a four-seam fastball that tops out around 92 mph and then very rarely he’ll toss in an 82 mph slider. His sinker though is his bread-and-butter pitch, which he uses to induce a lot of ground balls. Here’s hoping the supposedly improved South Side defense is ready for all the grounders.
The White Sox designated righthander Ron Marinaccio for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man. The 29-year-old didn’t have an opportunity to showcase his talent with the Pale Hose as they claimed him off waivers from the New York Yankees in late September. He was 1-0 with a 3.86 in 16 relief appearances last season with the Bronx Bombers.