Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Cionel Pérez signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets after struggling with the Washington Nationals. The Cuban left-handed reliever was designated for assignment by Washington after posting a 6.19 ERA in 16 innings with 11 walks and 9 strikeouts. This marks the second consecutive poor season for Pérez, who had an 8.31 ERA in 21.2 innings with Baltimore in 2025. He will report to Triple-A Syracuse. Despite recent struggles, Pérez maintains a strong ground ball rate (58.5%) and had a successful 2022-2024 run with Baltimore (3.12 ERA, 20.2% K-rate).
Strengths
- + Strong ground ball rate (58.5%) - elite ground ball pitcher
- + Proven track record with Baltimore (2022-2024): 3.12 ERA, 57 holds, 6 saves
- + Left-handed reliever fills bullpen need
- + Young at 30 years old with upside for recovery
- + Signed by organization with track record of developing pitchers
Weaknesses
- - Recent performance collapse: 6.19 ERA with Nationals in 2026
- - Poor command: 11 walks in 16 innings (6.19 BB/9)
- - Second consecutive poor season (8.31 ERA with Baltimore in 2025)
- - More walks (11) than strikeouts (9) in recent stint
- - Designated for assignment by Washington after brief stint
- - Lifetime ERA of 4.34 across 253 MLB innings
- - Struggles with consistency and durability
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Steven Perez is a rp for the Cleveland Guardians.
Player Overview
RP
Cleveland Guardians