Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 17: Edgleen Perez a Key Piece of David Bednar Trade
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
One of the biggest trades the Pirates made at the trade deadline was sending two-time All-Star closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees.
In return, the Pirates received a trio of players — catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores, who later made his MLB debut with Pittsburgh, outfield prospect Brian Sanchez, who didn’t play a game with the organization due to a shoulder injury, and catcher Edgleen Perez.
Perez, a native of Venezuela, was signed by the Yankees for $50,000 in 2023. He went on to play in 39 games in the Dominican Summer League during the ’23 season and hit .259 with a .398 on-base percentage and a .705 OPS.
Perez broke out in the Florida Complex League in 2024. In 52 games on the season, the right-handed batter slashed .283/.444/.380 with eight doubles, a triple, two home runs and 24 RBI.
The 19-year-old began the season with Low-A Tampa but wasn’t able to replicate his success at the plate from the previous season. In 84 games prior to getting traded, Perez owned a robust .369 on-base percentage, but hit just .209 with a meager .235 slugging percentage.
After joining the Pirates, Perez’s offensive woes continued with the Bradenton Marauders. In 19 games following the trade, he slashed .182/.361/.218 with a pair of doubles and four RBI.
There’s no disputing that Perez possesses a keen eye at the plate and is able to draw walks at a high clip. He’s drawn more in his career (159) than he’s gone down on strikes (150). But as he continues to mature physically, Perez will need to show he’s capable of hitting for more power.
Defensively, Perez should be able to stick behind the plate. He has a plus-arm, receives well and blocks well while possessing some athleticism.
If the upside with the bat can match the upside he offers behind the plate, Perez could emerge as a legitimate catching prospect. Until then, his ceiling is somewhat limited, but age is on his side and is a reason for some optimism.
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