Roberto Perez signed a minor league deal with the SF Giants that allowed him to opt out on Monday. The Giants didn't wait until then, telling the veteran catcher today that he's made the team.
Perez is a nine-year veteran who spent the first eight years of his career with the Cleveland Guardians, where he won two Gold Gloves and racked up 76 defensive runs saved. His glove is his calling card, as Perez has a career slash line of .207/.298/.360.
Clearly defense was a priority for the Giants when choosing a backup for incumbent starter Joey Bart. Much like Curt Casali, the backup catcher the last two seasons, Perez has a solid defensive reputation, and provides insurance and balance behind the more offense-oriented Bart.
Perez is a pretty bad hitter for average, finishing under the Mendoza line three of the last five years. But he does have an above-average walk rate of 10.8% for his career, as well as decent isolated power. In 2019, he hit 24 home runs, by far his best season total.
The playoffs could be a tall order for this year's Giants team, but if they do, Perez has plenty of postseason experience. He started every game of Cleveland's run to the World Series in 2016, hitting two home runs in the Fall Classic.
The Giants' 40-man roster is full, meaning they need an accompanying roster move to add Perez. But Luis Gonzalez's back surgery makes him an obvious candidate to move to the 60-day injured list and off the 40-man roster.
As for catcher Blake Sabol, he's playing well enough to make the team as an outfielder and third catcher. He's not Perez's equal behind the plate, but he's showed off an excellent glove in the outfield. He has an excellent chance to make the roster, especially with Mitch Haniger unlikely to be ready by Opening Day.
As for the other Giants' minor league invitee with an opt-out clause, pitcher Joe Ross remains out rehabbing last year's Tommy John surgery, so he's likely to stick with the team and aim for a midseason return.
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