In an unexpected move, the St. Louis Cardinals have signed veteran catcher Roberto Pérez to a one-year contract following an underwhelming 2024 season that saw Pérez struggle with the San Francisco Giants. The signing is part of the Cardinals’ attempt to solidify their catching depth after a disappointing year in which they failed to make significant strides in the National League Central. With Pérez’s reputation as a strong defensive catcher, St. Louis hopes he can help stabilize their behind-the-plate production in the coming season.
Pérez’s 2024 Struggles with the Giants
Roberto Pérez, who was originally known for his elite defensive skills, including framing, blocking, and handling pitchers, had a rough season with the Giants in 2024. Over 60 games, Pérez posted a career-worst .185 batting average, along with a meager .252 on-base percentage and a .290 slugging percentage. His offensive struggles were compounded by a sharp decline in his power numbers, which had previously been a hallmark of his game during his time with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
On defense, Pérez was not immune to criticism either. Although his framing and pitch-blocking metrics remained above average, there were signs of regression. Some experts pointed out that Pérez had difficulty adjusting to the Giants’ pitchers, and his pitch-calling was occasionally questioned. His inability to make a significant impact offensively, combined with questions about his defense, led to him being sidelined for much of the season in favor of younger talent like Joey Bart, who appeared to offer more upside in both aspects of the game.
Cardinals’ Strategy and the Signing
The Cardinals, on the other hand, are looking for stability behind the plate. With their 2024 season ending in disappointment and a glaring lack of consistency at catcher, the acquisition of Pérez is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. The team’s primary catcher, Andrew Knizner, has shown promise at times but has failed to secure the position long-term due to his inconsistent offense and defensive lapses. Additionally, the Cardinals have dealt with injuries to some of their other catchers, further complicating their catching situation.
Pérez’s signing gives the Cardinals another option behind the plate, providing them with a veteran presence who could mentor the younger catchers in the system. While it is unlikely that Pérez will suddenly revert to his former All-Star caliber performance, his experience and solid defensive fundamentals may help the team in areas where they struggled in 2024.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals’ management will be hoping that Pérez can bounce back and provide value both defensively and as a game-caller. His experience handling pitchers like Shane Bieber and Carlos Carrasco during his time with Cleveland gives him credibility as a reliable backstop, and the Cardinals’ pitching staff, led by ace Jack Flaherty and newcomer Jordan Montgomery, could benefit from his leadership. If Pérez can contribute offensively even at a league-average level, he will be a valuable asset to a team eager to return to contention in 2025.
Though the Cardinals’ 2024 season was filled with frustration, Pérez’s addition is one step toward rebuilding their roster and improving their weak points heading into the offseason. Only time will tell whether the move proves successful, but in a division as competitive as the NL Central, any improvement in catching could be the key to a successful rebound.