Carlos Pérez isn’t ranked amongst the Chicago White Sox top 30 prospects. When he arrived at Spring Training in 2021 as a non-roster invitee few fans knew who he was. In fact, Pérez isn’t even the best baseball player in his own family. That distinction belongs to his older brother, also named Carlos, who played three years with the Los Angles Angels as well as short stints with the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers in 2018. He currently plays in the Colorado Rockies organization.
However, none of that phases the younger Carlos who is determined to crack the Chicago White Sox big league roster. Despite flying under the radar, Pérez caught the attention of Tony La Russa and assistant general manager, Chris Getz, last spring.
Turning Heads
“Carlos turned some heads in Major League camp last year,” Getz told MLB.com. “Jerry Narron and Tony, they really fell in love with him which was great for Carlos.”
“I’d like to be his agent,” Tony La Russa told reporters last March. “He’s got a knack.”
Pérez turned some more heads during the 2021 season as well. The 25-year-old had a power surge belting 13 home runs with the Birmingham Barons before being called up to Triple-A Charlotte at the end of the season. Pérez was never known as a power hitter. Before 2021, his single-season high was three and his career total was just seven.
Pérez also notched 108 hits, batting .264 with 59 RBIs in Double-A. For his career, he is a solid .272 hitter. His bat on ball skills are tremendous but he is working on bringing more power to his game which he showed in 2021.
“I think I can hit 20 or 25 home runs,” Pérez told MLB.com. “I tried to be more aggressive and swing hard every time, no matter the fastball or breaking ball. I go to home plate and I have a plan.”
Impressive Arm
His work behind the plate has been just as impressive. He had a career-best .995 fielding percentage and only allowed three passed balls. Pérez also threw out 30 would-be base stealers last season. Overall he was able to gun down 42% of runners trying to steal a base under his watch. He owns a 39 percent success rate for his career.
Throwing runners out was an area White Sox catchers struggled with last season. They allowed the most stolen bases in the MLB last season. Yasmani Grandal has allowed 50 stolen bases which is the second-most in the American League.
Pérez also caught White Sox starters Lucas Giolito, and Dallas Keuchel last spring and also spent a lot of time with Yasmani Grandal. Pérez considers himself a solid receiving catcher but admits his game-calling is an area he can improve on. However, Chris Getz still believes he can challenge Zeby Zavala and Zack Collins for a roster spot.
“He’s nearing the point where he can compete for a Major League spot. We believe that as an organization,” Getz said. “He’s in very good shape and showing the skills we’ve seen in the past and it’s a good opportunity to spend more time with our Major League staff but also continue to refine his craft. Hopefully, that puts him in a position to have success this season.”
With the lockout canceling Spring Training games this year, Pérez may not get the opportunity to compete for a job right away. However, if he can get off to a strong start in Triple-A he is a name to keep in mind for the 2022 season.
