The news broke not too long ago that Martin Perez would be returning to Boston, on a one year deal. The deal is said to be worth $4.5M, plus incentives. There’s also a club option for 2022. It was first reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, and Perez is reportedly pending a physical.
Perez will earn a base salary of $4.5M in 2021, according to a source. The Red Sox declined an option of $6.85M in November, so the new deal gives the Red Sox over $1M in savings. Other teams interested were reportedly the Astros, and the Padres.
Perez’s incentives are based on innings pitched. According to Rosenthal, here is his incentives.
One-year, $5M guarantee. 2021: $4.5M. 2022: $6M club option or $500K buyout.
Incentives in ‘21: $100K each for 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 IP (Max $500K).
Incentives in ‘22: $100K each for 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 IP, $250K for 180 IP (Max $750K).
Perez posted a 4.50 ERA in 2020, and went 3-5 in 12 starts. If you take away two rough starts against Baltimore, he’d finish with a 3.57 ERA, and would’ve held opposing batters to a .211 average during those 10 starts.
Advanced 2020 Stats:
6.68 K/9, 4.06 BB/9, 1.16 HR/9
4.88 FIP, 5.20 xFIP, 111 FIP-, 117 xFIP-
17.6 K%, 10.7 BB%, 6.9 K-BB%
97 ERA-, 4.77 xERA, 5.43 SIERA
These stats can be found on baseballsavant.com, and fangraphs.com.
Advanced stats show Martin Perez is an average to below average pitcher.
The Red Sox still need at least one, preferably two more starting pitchers. Also a couple more arms in the pen would be helpful.