Perez was 7-2 with a 4.28 ERA in his first 16 starts. But in the first three months of that run, he was erratic, giving up 13 home runs, striking out 60, walking 30, and allowing 43 runs.
In his final four starts in July, those numbers increased to 17 earned runs on 26 hits, including five home runs and 11 walks, compared to nine strikeouts in 18 innings. Those were Perez’s final starts before he was moved to the bullpen for the remainder of the season and the Rangers’ World Series run.
After his unexpected 2022 campaign, Perez accepted a qualifying offer from the Rangers during the previous offseason. However, as was mentioned, he carried on with same performance in 2023. Over 141 2/3 frames, Perez recorded a 4.45 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 93:49 K:BB. At 45.5 percent, he even recorded one of his lowest ground ball rates ever.
The previous season saw progress for the Pirates. They have been very busy in the off-season with the goal of improving even more in 2024. With 62 victories, Pittsburgh placed last in the National League Central in 2022. With 76 wins and 14 more victories in 2024, they took fourth place in the division. They don’t finish above.500, but they still move up the standings. Despite not being a highly anticipated addition, Pérez will benefit a youthful Pirates squad. He will also benefit the Pirates’ rotation right away.
Since being selected as a Silver Slugger in 2019, Mitch Garver’s finest offensive season occurred in 2023. After undergoing surgery in July to treat a ruptured flexor tendon in his right forearm, he recovered from his 2022 campaign. Last season, Garver played a key role in the Texas Rangers’ historic World Series victory. His victory quickly made him a free agent. Mitch Garver has now agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Should he be able to build upon his campaign from 2023,
