Pirates add veteran arm in Martin Perez on one-year deal

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On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates began to tackle one of their biggest needs. The Pirates and Martin Perez agreed on a one-year deal worth $8 million. In Perez, the Pirates added a much-needed veteran arm in a rotation full of question marks.

In 35 games during the 2023 campaign, Perez posted a 4.45 ERA in 141.2 innings. While most of the work came as a starter, he did make 15 appearances out of the bullpen. He also made three appearances for the Rangers in the postseason as they won their first title in franchise history.

With Perez in the mix, the Pirates now have three veterans they can rely on. That list includes Mitch Keller, who was selected to his first All-Star Game last season, and Marco Gonzales. Their internal options to round out the rotation include Bailey Falter, Quinn Priester, Roansy Contreras, and Luis Ortiz.

Additionally, Perez is only one year removed from the best season of his career. During the 2022 season, the Venezuelan native struck out a career-high 169 batters and made his first All-Star team. He also posted an ERA under 3.00 for the first time.

Although the Pirates roster is far from complete, the addition of Perez is a move fans have been clamoring for. Despite his 4.71 career ERA, he has made at least 30 appearances in three straight seasons and could be a trade chip at the trade deadline.

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