Felix Perez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #30 prospect in 2011
  Perez was considered one of the top Cuban defectors in recent years when he went to the Dominican in 2008. Just before he wrapped up a $3.5 million deal with the Yankees, Major League Baseball suspended him for a year after discovering that he lied about his age--he had claimed to be 20 when he was actually 25. The discrepancy cost Perez millions, and he ended up signing with Cincinnati for $550,000. At 26, Perez has little projection remaining, but he is already a useful outfielder. He missed time with a shoulder injury after running into an outfield wall at Carolina to make a spectacular catch in a late July game. Upon his return, it took him a while to start swinging free and easy again. Perez is an above-average center fielder who can play right field. He's an average runner with below-average power, so his potential as a big leaguer rests with his ability to hit for average. Perez points the bat at the pitcher in his stance, with his hands well away from his body. That forces his hands to come a long way to a hitting position and leaves him vulnerable to being busted in with power stuff. Perez could play in the big leagues right now defensively, and his bat isn't far away either, but he has little upside and profiles as a big league backup.