Miguel Perez Makes Long Climb to Pirates’ Coaching Staff

Miguel Perez took no shortcuts to his spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ coaching staff.

When Perez was hired as the team’s bullpen coach on Friday, it came after he spent 17 seasons in the Pirates’ farm system as a player, coach, instructor and manager. The call to the big leagues finally came as general manager Ben Cherington chose Perez to replace Justin Meccage, who was fired at the end of last season.

Perez was appreciative of receiving the promotion. The way his phone kept ringing and buzzing with calls and texts made it clear that many other people were also happy.

“This has been a process,” Perez said. “I’ve been blessed about this process. So many players that I have seen, that I have coached, so many players that have reached out after the news, it’s been great. I really appreciate the whole process.”

Perez spent the last three seasons as the manager at Triple-A Indianapolis. Thirty players he managed there have made their major-league debuts with the Pirates since 2022.

Perez first joined the Pirates in 2008 as a catcher with Double-A Altoona after being signed as a minor-league free agent. His last season as a player was in 2013 before becoming a full-time coach.

“Miggy is one of the most highly respected members of our player development system who has not only had a meaningful impact on our players but also other managers and coaches throughout the organization,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “His passion for the organization along with all the other intangibles that he will bring to our staff and players is something that we are excited about at the big-league level.”

The 41-year-old Perez is truly a baseball lifer. His professional career began in 2000 when the Cincinnati Reds signed him as an undrafted international free agent from Venezuela.

Perez played professionally for 12 years but had only a brief stint in the major leagues with the Reds in 2005. He played in two games, coming off the bench each time, and went 0 for 3.

In his new role with the Pirates, Perez will be tasked with improving a bullpen that disappointed last season. Pirates relievers were 25th in the major leagues in walks per nine innings, 27th in ERA and 28th in WHIP.

Closer David Bednar converted just 23 of 30 save opportunities and had a 5.77 ERA in 62 games last season after being selected to the All-Star Game the previous two years.

Perez is looking forward to trying to help Bednar and other relievers get back on track in 2025.

“I’m excited about this role, bringing the experience I have of being a catcher,” Perez said. “That’s what makes me excited about it. I love to build relationships with the pitchers. That was my strength back when I played. I’m going to reinforce a winning mindset in this.

“Being able to be sitting next to them at the highest level and being able to keep pushing them and get the best version of them would be great for me. It’s exciting. I cannot be more grateful to be part of their process. Bullpen is going to be strong.”

The Pirates hope the bullpen is as strong as Perez’s perseverance.