When the Reds made a big splash in Latin America by signing outfielders Yorman Rodriguez and Juan Duran for a combined $4.5 million, they trumpeted those signings. When Cincinnati inked Perez last summer for $825,000, they initially denied it, even after he posted photos on his Facebook page that showed him in a Reds cap signing the contract. He has yet to make his pro debut, but he did come to the United States for instructional league in the fall. Perez throws an 88-90 mph fastball with good sink, a slow curveball and a changeup that's still in its infant stages. As expected for a 16-year-old, he's a long ways from being ready for full-season ball, but his excellent frame gives him plenty of room for projection as he physically matures. He generates good downhill plane and has a clean delivery that should allow him to develop solid control. Perez will probably begin his pro career in the Venezuelan Summer League next June.
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