South Side Sox Top Prospect No. 53: Andrew Perez

Andrew Perez
6´2´´
196 pounds
Throws: Left
Age: 21
SSS rank among all left-handed relief pitchers in the system: 2

Perez, a native of Orlando, dominated his senior season with Timber Creek H.S., to the tune of a 1.95 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 51 2⁄3 innings. Staying in-state to pitch for the University of South Florida, he struggled to adjust to a bullpen role for the Bulls, as he posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.89 ERA — allowing 26 walks and 32 hits in his 30 2⁄3 innings of work. However, Perez rebounded well in his sophomore and junior seasons, throwing more strikes. Over his final two years, Perez improved his ERA to 2.53 and WHIP 1.13 by allowing just 62 hits and 30 walks over his 81 2⁄3 innings, striking out 102 hitters and saving 18.

Due in part to these improvements, in addition to a spike in velocity, the White Sox selected him in the eighth round of the 2018 MLB draft. Perez made quick work of Pioneer League hitters in his four-game stint with Great Falls by posting a 1.42 ERA and 0.47 WHIP in 6 1⁄3 innings of work, allowing just three hits (.136 OBA) and no walks while striking out seven (31.8%).

Perez was promoted to Kannapolis on June 29, where he was 1.9 years younger than league average. In 16 games totaling 25 innings for the Intimidators, the lefty posted a respectable 2.88 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in allowing 21 hits (.233 OBA) and walking 13 hitters (11.7%) while striking out 24 (21.6%). Perez may have been battling fatigue with Kannapolis — his 2018 innings between college and professional surpassed his two previous years combined — causing him to lose a bit of control as a result.

Perez’s fastball, which was up to 90 mph during his prep days, spiked to the mid-90s by the time he was a college junior. His repertoire also includes a nifty 11-5 curveball which he’s managed to keep down, and a fringy changeup which should improve if he improves his arm speed. Perez has a low-effort, three-quarter delivery which makes him difficult for lefties to pick up.

He hasn’t been treated as a LOOGY to date, as he pitched 31 1⁄3 innings during his combined 20 games with Great Falls and Kannapolis. Lefties batted just .184 against his offerings, while righties fared a bit better at .230, which still isn’t too shabby.

If Perez can improve upon his changeup, he could have high-leverage potential. Like his partner-in-crime and fellow 2018 draftee Bennett Sousa, Perez had proven his chops enough to start 2019 at Winston-Salem. However, the White Sox have decided to take things slowly with Perez due to his age; and he’s back in Kanny to start 2019. Perhaps not for long — Perez has opened the season with a 0.87 ERA in six games (10 ¹⁄₃ innings), with five walks against 13 strikeouts (but a worrisome 1.839 WHIP).

Take a look!

Video by Vince Servino.

2019 South Side Sox Top 100 Prospects

53. Andrew Perez, LHRP
54. Josue Guerrero, LF
55. Jacob Lindgren, LHRP
56. Ryan Cordell, CF
57. Joel Booker, LF
58. Bennett Sousa, LHRP
59. Blake Battenfield, RHSP
60. Caberea Weaver, CF
61. Matt Foster, RHRP
62. Tate Blackman, 2B
63. Hunter Schryver, LHRP
64. Romy González, CF
65. Carlos Perez, C
66. Trey Michalczewski, 3B
67. Taylor Varnell, LHSP
68. John Parke, LHSP
69. Mike Morrison, RHRP
70. Zach Remillard, 3B
71. Luis Martinez, RHSP
72. Zach Lewis, RHSP
73. José Nin, RHRP
74. Colton Turner, LHSP
75. Jhoandro Alfonso, C
76. Ramon Beltre, 2B
77. Charlie Tilson, CF
78. Hunter Kiel, RHRP
79. Jason Bilous, RHSP
80. Nick Johnson, RHRP
81. Danny Dopico, RHRP
82. Harvin Mendoza, 1B
83. Logan Sowers, RF
84. Maiker Feliz, 3B
85. Brayan Herrera, RHSP
86. Craig Dedelow, LF
87. Wilber Pérez, RHSP
88. Kyle Kubat, LHRP
89. Johan Dominguez, RHRP
90. Mitch Roman, 2B
91. Ty Greene, C
92. Tanner Banks, LHSP
93. Jake Elliott, RHRP
94. Kevin Escorcia, LHRP
95. Luis Rodriguez, RHSP
96. Ian Dawkins, LF
97. Victor Diaz, RHRP
98. Travis Moniot, LF
99. Will Kincanon, RHRP
100. Brian Clark, LHRP

More information on South Side Top Prospects.