American media NBC Sports reported on the 26th (hereafter local time) that “Boston is having a ‘conversation’ with Perez, a free agent.” 메이저놀이터
It seems to be a move to make up for the void in catcher power that occurred after missing Christian Vazquez (32, Minnesota Twins) in June last year. However, among local fans, questions are being raised as to whether Perez will be able to fill this void. This is because Perez has only shown regret as a hitter.
Perez signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in November 2021. However, he only had a 0.700 OPS with 14 hits and 2 home runs in 21 games. Pittsburgh also did not extend his contract, as if recognizing his lack of offensive ability.
He showed weakness in his offense from his amateur days. After being named by the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) in 2008, he did not have an OPS higher than 0.700 in the minor leagues until 2012.
After his major debut, he wanted to improve his problems, but his weaknesses were not resolved with a batting average of 0.183 in 61 games in 2016 and 0.168 in 62 games in 2018. In particular, in 2018, he was criticized as the worst hitter of all time as he had the lowest batting average among batters with 140 or more at bats.
Local fans are also showing concern about this weakness. Some fans pointed out, “It is true that Boston lacks a catcher, but it is too hasty to bring in a player who lacks offensive ability.”
Currently, there are only two catchers registered on Boston’s 40-man roster for the 2023 season, Liz Maguire (27) and Connor Wing (26). Attention is focusing on whether Perez can be a card to solve the catcher’s power shortage.