Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Splitter: 50 | Control: 40 | Overall: 45
After landing a modest $45,000 bonus at the relatively advanced age of 18 out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, Perez emerged as one of the best arms in the Astros' system. He came straight to the United States for his 2015 pro debut and earned rapid promotions in each of his first three pro seasons. His control lapsed in 2017, but he still recorded a 3.44 ERA at two Class A stops because he was able to overpower hitters. He reached Double-A for the first time in July 2018, only to then be dealt to the Blue Jays later in the month with Ken Giles and David Paulino in exchange for Robert Osuna.
There never have been questions about Perez's raw stuff and effectiveness. His ability to throw strikes, on the other hand, is suspect. The right-hander has four pitches that can grade as plus or better at their best. He can beat hitters with his fastball, throwing a 93-99 mph two-seamer with nice sink and a four-seamer with explosive riding life. He also can snap off wipeout breaking stuff, though there are times when he can't find the strike zone with his slider or curveball. He uses a splitter in lieu of a changeup, and it too can elicit swings and misses or entirely miss the plate. Timing issues have prevented Perez from throwing consistent strikes in his career, but he's athletic enough that gains in his control and command should be possible.
Opponents struggle to make solid contact against Perez, who posted a 15 percent swinging-strike rate, averaged 10.4 strikeouts-per-nine and held hitters to a .196 average in 2018. His walk rate, on the other hand, has fluctuated from 4.5 BB/9 in his first two seasons to 6.5 in his third to 5.0 in 2018. The fact that Perez has managed a career ERA of 3.20 in spite of his well-below-average control is testimony to his electric stuff and a sign that he'll probably end up in the bullpen, where he could become a dominant late-inning weapon. Transactions Team Date Transaction 10/12/2019 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Tigres del Licey. 09/30/2019 Toronto Blue Jays recalled RHP Hector Perez from New Hampshire Fisher Cats. 07/11/2019 New Hampshire Fisher Cats activated RHP Hector Perez from the 7-day injured list. 07/04/2019 New Hampshire Fisher Cats placed RHP Hector Perez on the 7-day injured list. 04/01/2019 RHP Hector Perez assigned to New Hampshire Fisher Cats from Buffalo Bisons. 03/11/2019 Toronto Blue Jays optioned RHP Hector Perez to Buffalo Bisons. 11/20/2018 Toronto Blue Jays selected the contract of Hector Perez from New Hampshire Fisher Cats. 07/31/2018 RHP Hector Perez assigned to New Hampshire Fisher Cats. 07/30/2018 Toronto Blue Jays traded RHP Roberto Osuna to Houston Astros for RHP David Paulino, RHP Hector Perez and RHP Ken Giles. 07/11/2018 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Corpus Christi Hooks from Buies Creek Astros. 04/28/2017 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Buies Creek Astros from Quad Cities River Bandits. 07/23/2016 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Quad Cities River Bandits from Tri-City ValleyCats. 06/17/2016 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Tri-City ValleyCats from Greeneville Astros. 08/26/2015 RHP Hector Perez assigned to Greeneville Astros from GCL Astros. 07/13/2015 RHP Hector Perez assigned to GCL Astros from DSL Astros Blue. 05/30/2015 RHP Hector Perez assigned to DSL Astros Blue. 07/07/2014 Houston Astros signed free agent RHP Hector Perez to a minor league contract.
