The New York Mets have signed left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez to a minor league contract, with him expected to join Triple-A Syracuse. Pérez had recently been with the Washington Nationals but struggled, finishing with a 6.19 ERA and more walks than strikeouts. Known for his potential during a solid stint with the Orioles from 2022-2024, Pérez has seen his performance decline, but the Mets are looking to revive his career by adding depth to their bullpen. The team's current bullpen ranks eighth in the majors in ERA, despite some struggles among key pitchers.

By the Numbers
  • Pérez recorded a 6.19 ERA in 16 innings with the Nationals this season.
  • During his peak from 2022-2024 with the Orioles, he achieved a 3.12 ERA and collected 57 holds.
Yes, But

While Pérez has shown flashes of potential, he has struggled with command, evident in his 13.5% walk rate since 2024. The Mets have invested in their bullpen, but questions remain about the effectiveness of their recent signings and the overall consistency of their left-handed options.

State of Play
  • The Mets hold an eighth-ranked bullpen ERA in the majors despite early-season struggles from Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
  • Pérez is joining a bullpen that has some effective left-handed arms, including Brooks Raley and David Peterson, but they need to monitor the performance as the season progresses.
What's Next

Pérez will report to Triple-A to work on his command and performance, aiming to earn a call-up if he shows improvement. The Mets may need to assess their bullpen options as they approach mid-season, especially if injuries occur or if performances do not stabilize.

Bottom Line

The Mets are taking a calculated risk by signing Cionel Pérez, hoping to rediscover his potential as a reliable reliever. His experience and past success with the Orioles make him a low-cost investment, but the team must remain vigilant about his command issues moving forward.