Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Cionel Pérez signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets after being designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals. Pérez had a disappointing 5-week stint with Washington, posting a 6.19 ERA with 11 walks and 9 strikeouts in 16 innings. This marks the second consecutive poor season for the 30-year-old left-handed reliever, following a strong 2022-24 run with Baltimore (3.12 ERA, 20.2% K-rate). He will report to Triple-A Syracuse. Despite an impressive spring training performance (6 scoreless innings, 0.50 WHIP) and making the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Pérez struggled immediately in regular season play, allowing runs in three consecutive appearances after his debut.
Strengths
- + Strong spring training performance with 6 scoreless innings and 0.50 WHIP
- + Impressive fastball velocity (98-99 mph)
- + Successful 2022-24 tenure with Baltimore Orioles (3.12 ERA, 57 holds, 6 saves)
- + Made Opening Day roster despite starting outside 40-man roster
- + Attracted interest from 10+ organizations at January showcase
Weaknesses
- - Poor 2026 Nationals performance: 6.19 ERA in 16 innings
- - Command issues: 11 walks vs 9 strikeouts (1.69 WHIP)
- - Second consecutive poor season after strong 2022-24 run
- - Designated for assignment after just 5 weeks
- - Struggled immediately in regular season after strong spring
- - Allowed runs in 3 consecutive appearances after debut
- - Poor 2025 season with Orioles: 20 runs in 21.2 innings
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Michael Perez is a catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
C
Chicago Cubs