In a move to bolster their catching depth and improve their overall defensive efficiency, the New York Yankees have signed former San Francisco Giants catcher Roberto Pérez to a one-year deal following a disappointing 2024 season. Known for his strong defensive reputation earlier in his career, Pérez’s signing reflects the Yankees’ need for stability behind the plate, especially after struggling with their catching situation in recent years.
Pérez’s 2024 Struggles with the Giants
Roberto Pérez, once recognized as one of the best defensive catchers in Major League Baseball, endured a difficult 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants. Over the course of the year, Pérez posted a .185 batting average with a .252 on-base percentage, both career lows. His power numbers also took a significant dip, as he hit just two home runs and posted a .290 slugging percentage. Despite his reputation as a capable hitter earlier in his career, Pérez’s offense became a major liability in 2024.
Defensively, Pérez remained solid in some aspects of the game, particularly when it came to pitch framing and his ability to block pitches in the dirt. However, there were noticeable signs of decline. His throwing arm, once considered a strength, was less effective in controlling the running game, and some of his pitch-calling decisions were questioned as he struggled to build chemistry with the Giants’ pitchers. His lack of offensive production, combined with some of these defensive inconsistencies, led to a reduced role, and ultimately, his exit from the team.
Yankees’ Strategy and the Signing
For the Yankees, adding a veteran presence behind the plate makes sense, particularly after a season in which their catching position was marked by inconsistency. In 2024, the Yankees struggled to find a long-term solution at catcher, as Kyle Higashioka’s bat remained a weakness and the team could not get sustained production from either him or Ben Rortvedt. The Yankees were also dealing with injuries that sidelined both catchers at various points in the year, forcing the team to turn to other options like Jose Trevino, who also failed to make a significant impact offensively.
Pérez’s signing offers the Yankees a defensively sound option behind the plate, and while his offense remains a question mark, his leadership and handling of pitchers could be invaluable. With the Yankees’ pitching staff in need of a consistent game-caller, Pérez’s experience with pitchers like Shane Bieber and Carlos Carrasco in Cleveland could help him build rapport with the Yankees’ arms, including aces Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino. His ability to control the running game and frame pitches should improve the overall defensive capabilities of the team.
Pérez’s Potential Role with the Yankees
The addition of Pérez should not be seen as a direct solution to the Yankees’ offensive woes, but rather as an opportunity for the team to shore up their defense and catching depth. It’s likely that Pérez will serve as a backup catcher and mentor to younger talent, such as Rortvedt or Higashioka, who may get more opportunities in the starting role. However, Pérez’s defensive contributions could see him earn a more significant share of playing time, especially in games where strong defense and handling pitchers are priorities.
Given the Yankees’ tendency to rely on strong pitching and defense, Pérez’s leadership behind the plate could help stabilize some of the team’s struggles. If he can regain some of his offensive production from his earlier years, it would be an added bonus, but the Yankees are primarily bringing him in for his defensive prowess and experience in high-leverage situations.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees are hoping that the addition of Roberto Pérez will shore up their catching position as they prepare for the 2025 season. While the 2024 season was marked by significant struggles, especially offensively, the Yankees are looking for opportunities to improve their roster heading into the offseason. Pérez’s experience and defensive acumen could prove critical in providing stability behind the plate, and if he can bounce back in some capacity offensively, he could help the Yankees regain their competitive edge in the American League East.
Ultimately, the Yankees are betting that Pérez’s veteran leadership and solid defensive skills will make him a key contributor in the 2025 season, even if he does not return to his All-Star form from earlier in his career. With the team’s roster in flux and the need for improvement across the board, Pérez’s signing represents a small but potentially important step in shoring up one of the Yankees’ weaker positions.