The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to terms with former Texas Rangers catcher Roberto Pérez on a minor-league contract, bolstering their depth behind the plate for the upcoming season. Pérez, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for his defensive prowess, spent several years with the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians) before a brief stint with the Rangers in 2023.
The Reds, who are in the midst of rebuilding, have been actively looking for ways to strengthen their roster, particularly in positions of need. Pérez’s signing comes at a time when the team is seeking to shore up their catching position, following some inconsistency last season. While the Reds already have Tyler Stephenson, an offensive-minded catcher, Pérez brings a different skill set with his excellent handling of pitchers and his leadership on the field.
Pérez, 34, is best known for his glove and game-calling abilities. Over his nine-year MLB career, primarily with the Indians, he has earned a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive catchers. His arm strength and framing ability behind the plate have been key assets in his career, and the Reds are hoping that his presence will help guide their young pitchers, many of whom are still developing their command at the major league level.
Although his offensive production has never been his strong suit, Pérez has been a reliable contributor with the bat in key moments, showing flashes of power, especially in his earlier seasons. In 2021, he posted a career-high 24 home runs, though injuries have limited his playing time in recent years. The Reds are likely hoping to tap into his experience as a mentor and a solid backup catcher, especially if Pérez can stay healthy and regain some of his offensive form.
The deal, which is a non-guaranteed minor-league contract, allows Pérez a chance to compete for a spot on the Reds’ major-league roster in spring training. If he performs well, he could earn a role as a backup to Stephenson or even serve as a mentor to the Reds’ younger catchers in their system. The move reflects Cincinnati’s strategy of adding experienced veterans to a young, promising roster while providing depth at key positions.
The addition of Pérez is another step toward improving the Reds’ overall balance as they continue to build toward future success. With an emphasis on developing young talent, Pérez’s veteran presence behind the plate will be valuable both for his teammates and for the coaching staff looking to build a more competitive squad in the coming seasons.
