Arvicent Perez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #27 prospect in 2017
  The Tigers signed Perez out of Venezuela as a defensive backstop with the hopes that he might grow into enough offense to find a spot in the majors. He has moved slowly throughout his career, spending two years in the Venezuelan Summer League before coming stateside. Since then, he has spent parts of three seasons at low Class A West Michigan before finally showing signs with the bat this season, hitting .303/.320/.391. The Tigers like his strong build and compact swing, although they don't expect much in the way of power. As a defender, Perez's calling card is his plus arm. He threw out 43 percent (26-of-60) of potential basestealers in 2016, which would have ranked third in the Midwest League if he hadn't been limited to just 74 games while splitting time with Shane Zeile. He needs to continue sharpening his receiving skills and has gotten better at game-calling as well. Perez ranks as the system's best defensive catcher, and is likely to move up to the high Class A Florida State League this year to keep working on his overall game.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #12 prospect in 2015
  Shortly after the 2011 season ended, the Tigers scooped up Perez for just $16,000 out of Venezuela. After a couple of seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League, he impressed scouts in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2014 and continued to play well upon an aggressive push to low Class A West Michigan for the final month of the season. Perez has skills on both sides of the ball, but he stands out immediately on defense. Perez has a plus arm and makes accurate throws, which enabled him to throw out 43 percent of basestealers in 2014. His blocking and receiving skills are advanced for his age, and he has a chance to be a plus defender once he learns more about the nuances of catching, such as game-calling and how to handle a pitching staff. Perez is an extremely aggressive hitter who goes up swinging at the first pitch, which is why he walked just twice in 135 plate appearances in 2014. His bat control is so good that he's a career .304 hitter despite being a bad-ball hitter, though he will have to show more plate discipline against better pitchers. While he does chase, he doesn't overswing to try to hit the ball out of the park, instead staying within his line-drive approach and gap power. He's ready for his first full-season test at West Michigan in 2015.