Giants agree to deal with catcher Perez

*Photo from Pirates Prospects*

   Searching for stability behind the plate was a task they needed to accomplish. The San Francisco Giants and C Roberto Perez have agreed to a contract, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. The deal is a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training and has been confirmed by the team.

   Perez is regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, known for his game calling ability and rapport with a pitching staff throughout his career. Perez is also a two time gold glove winner for his efforts, taking home the award in both 2019 and 2020 while in the then Cleveland Indians organization.

   Last season, Perez was hampered by injuries while with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his only year in Pittsburgh. Perez posted a .233 batting average, .367 slugging percentage, and .700 OPS, driving in just 8 runs with only two home runs in 21 games played.

   Recently, Perez has been a victim of injuries and their consequences. He's been limited to just 65 games in 2021 and 2022 combined due to a variety of ailments, including shoulder and hamstring injuries, plus a fractured finger, recording a .272 on base percentage across both years.

   Since making his major league debut, Perez has played in 9 seasons, 8 with Cleveland and one with the Pirates. In that time, Perez has a .207 batting average, .298 on base percentage, and .360 slugging percentage, hitting 55 home runs with 192 RBI's in 511 games played. Perez has 4 home runs and 10 RBI's in 21 career playoff games, posting a .774 OPS as well.

   With the Giants, Perez will compete with Joey Bart, Austin Wynns and rule 5 selection Blake Sabol for playing time behind the plate. Bart and Perez seem to be the front runners, while Sabol has to stay on the roster or be offered back as part of the rule 5 requirements.

   So far this offseason, the Giants got back outfielder Joc Pederson for another season. They also brought in Luke Jackson, Ross Stripling, Mitch Haniger, Sean Manaea, and Michael Conforto as they push for a rebound year in 2023.