Cuban left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez has inked a minor league deal with the New York Mets, as reported by journalist Francys Romero on his social media platforms.
This development follows Pérez's departure from the Washington Nationals, where he was removed from the 40-man roster after posting a 6.19 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP over 16 innings pitched during the 2026 season.
After clearing waivers unclaimed, Pérez chose free agency and has now joined the Mets organization. He is expected to report to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, the New York Mets' affiliate in the International League.
The Role of Control in Pérez's Future
According to RotoWire, control will be a crucial factor in Pérez's quest for a spot in New York's bullpen. During his tenure with the Nationals, he allowed 11 walks while striking out only nine batters in 16 innings.
Pérez's journey with Washington initially held promise. His showcase in Tampa in January caught the attention of over 10 organizations, as the lefty displayed fastball speeds of 98-99 mph.
This performance led to his signing with the Nationals in February, with an invitation to spring training, where he pitched six scoreless innings with a WHIP of 0.50 and five strikeouts.
His impressive spring showing earned him a spot on the Nationals' 2026 Opening Day roster, a remarkable achievement given that he started off the 40-man roster.
A Journey of Ups and Downs
Despite his initial success, the 29-year-old pitcher struggled to maintain his form during the regular season, leading to his eventual release.
Joining the Mets marks Pérez’s fourth stint with a Major League team, as he seeks to revive a career that peaked in 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles. That year, he posted a stellar 1.40 ERA in 66 appearances and was hailed as one of general manager Mike Elias's best acquisitions.
Since then, his performance has waned: a 3.54 ERA in 2023, a 4.53 ERA in 2024, and an 8.31 ERA in 19 games in 2025, which led the Orioles to designate him for assignment in May of last year.
Pérez spent the remainder of 2025 in Triple-A Norfolk, where he recorded a 6.85 ERA over 21 games, before becoming a free agent on September 29 of that year.
Throughout his MLB career, the Matanzas native has appeared in 257 games, amassing a 15-6 record and a 4.22 ERA over 237 innings pitched. These numbers highlight both his potential and the inconsistency that has characterized his time in the majors.
FAQs about Cionel Pérez's Career and Future
What led to Cionel Pérez signing with the New York Mets?
Cionel Pérez signed with the Mets after being released by the Washington Nationals. He cleared waivers unclaimed and chose free agency, which led to his minor league deal with the Mets.
What are the main challenges Pérez faces in joining the Mets bullpen?
The primary challenge for Pérez is improving his control, as he allowed 11 walks with only nine strikeouts in 16 innings while with the Nationals. This will be a key factor in his ability to secure a place in the Mets bullpen.
How has Pérez's performance varied over the years?
Pérez's performance peaked in 2022 with a 1.40 ERA for the Baltimore Orioles. However, his ERA increased in subsequent years, leading to struggles and eventual release from the Orioles and Nationals.