Pirates Trade Michael Perez to Mets For Cash Considerations

Jon Heyman of MLB Network has reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates have made another trade with the New York Mets. The Pirates have traded recently DFA’d catcher Michael Perez to the Mets for cash considerations this time. Perez was DFA’d shortly after the Daniel Vogelbach trade and the activation of outfielder Greg Allen. 

In other news, the Pirates have announced that they have optioned recently acquired RHP Colin Holderman to Triple-A Indianapolis. Holderman with the Mets posted a 2.04 ERA in 17.2 innings pitched.

During Perez’s five years in the Majors, he has accumulated just 91 hits, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and an average of .175 in 521 career at-bats. Not what you call a great start to your career, but sometimes people need a change of scenery or take a while to bloom; ask Jacob Stallings.

During his two stints with the Pirates, Perez has been one of frustration and anger on the fan’s part. Perez wasn’t that great of a fielder during his tenure with the Pirates, but the biggest issue was the bat. During his time with the Pirates, Perez slashed .145/.217/.300 with an OPS of .526 in 317 at-bats. 

During his two years with the Pirates, Perez has accumulated a -1.0 WAR, and his highest total of wRC+ with the Pirates is this year with 47 (that’s 53 less than the average). The Mets seem desperate for catching help immediately and thought Perez was worth a shot.

“I commend him,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I thought he did a much better job defensively this year. I thought his energy was better. I thought he was more consistent.”

Either way, the Pirates have found what seems to be a promising lead with Jason Delay. During his brief time in the Majors, Delay has made quite the impression by batting a .324 average in 34 at-bats. Maybe, just maybe, the Pirates have a stable catcher for a little while.

The Pirates sent Holderman to Indianapolis “so our pitching people can get their eyes on him,” according to Shelton.

“We expect him to be up here and help our club out once we get past the amount of time he has to be down,” Shelton said.

Holderman must remain in the minor leagues for 15 days unless the Pirates place a pitcher on the injured list in the interim.