Carlos Perez, the White Sox’s catcher, has been designated for assignment, the organization said. Chris Flexen, whose one-year, $1.75MM contract with Chicago is now official, suddenly has roster space thanks to the transfer.
Not to be confused with his older brother, 27-year-old backstop Carlos Jesus Perez, who signed an international contract with the White Sox back in 2014. Carlos Eduardo Perez is also a catcher and has played in five MLB seasons. In 2402 career plate appearances in Chicago’s minor league system, Perez has slashed.264/.314/.389, and during the previous two seasons, he has participated in 34 Major League games for the Sox. In his limited sample size of 71 at-bats in the Show, Perez has slugged one home run and hit.209/.254/.343.
The Sox have targeted catchers this winter, having added Max Stassi and Martin Maldonado to their lineup to increase their depth at the plate. Perez is currently the odd man out because Korey Lee is already a member of the team, Edgar Quero, a great prospect, may make his major league debut in 2024, and Chuckie Robinson recently inked a minor league contract.
If he clears waivers and is taken off the 40-man roster outright, the White Sox may decide to just release Perez, while they may still decide to keep him on the team as even more depth. Heading into Spring Training, Perez might not have too much trouble signing with another club on a minor league contract, since teams are always seeking for catching help.