Perez had the talent to go in the third to fifth round of the 2012 draft, but a strong UCLA commitment caused him to go unselected. His stuff took a step forward when he pitched in a summer collegiate West Coast League, and with money left in their draft budget the Diamondbacks signed Perez as a nondrafted free agent for $400,000 just before he was to head to campus. He reported to the Arizona minor league complex but did not pitch in games until instructional league. Right now, Perez is more about arm strength and he shows limited feel for pitching. His fastball sits at 91-93 mph with average movement, sink and tail. His curveball has late break and his changeup has good tumble and works well off the fastball. His high three-quarters delivery is clean with good arm action. Perez can throw all three of his pitches for strikes, and they all project to be average or better pitches in time. He's very coachable and mature for his age. Perez will start the 2013 season in extended spring training before reporting to a short-season club.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone