Rising star: Eury Perez could rise quickly through the Marlins’ system
By Joe Frisaro @ManOn2nd
JUPITER, Fla. — A chance to be special.
You hear that phrase said often about prospects who possess the talent to become stars.
In a deep Miami Marlins farm system, there are several players who have the potential to become real impact Major Leaguers or All-Stars.
Two of their better prospects are under the age 20: shortstop Kahlil Watson and right-hander Eury Perez.
Both are 18, and interestingly, were born a day apart.
Perez, from Santiago, D.R., will turn 19 on April 15, while Watson, from North Carolina, celebrates his birthday on April 16.
These are probably the top two prospects in Miami’s system. At least that’s what our insiders here at ManOn2nd are telling us.
Watson was Miami’s first-round pick in 2021, and one source felt he was worthy of the first overall pick last year. ManOn2nd will catch up with Watson soon enough.
In this story, we’re focusing on Perez, the towering 6-foot-8 righty who is already becoming a nightmare to opposing hitters.
Perez and Watson are both taking part in Miami’s Minor League development camp, which is currently taking place at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter.
After a breakout 2021 Minor League season, Perez has his sights set higher in 2022.
“I’m preparing mentally and physically for a better 2022,” the righty said through an interpreter. “Right now, it’s just preparation. I’m looking for great things to come.”
So are the Marlins, and the rest of the industry.
Perez was an absolute find, signing for $200,000 in July 2019. The 2021 season was his first full year of professional baseball.
Perez started off in low-A Jupiter, where he dominated, posting a 1.61 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 21 walks in 56 innings. On Aug. 17, he was promoted to High-A Beloit, and in 22 innings had an ERA of 2.86 with 26 strikeouts and five walks.
Combining his 2021 totals, Perez had a 1.96 ERA in 78 innings with 108 strikeouts.
With an upper-90 mph fastball, and improving breaking ball and changeup, Perez has the potential to move quickly through the system. How fast? Could he elevate all the way to the big leagues in 2022? It might be a long shot, but I’m not completely discounting the possibility.
“I’m very eager, very excited for this season,” Perez said. “I’m ready to see what I can bring to the field, and where am I going to be playing.”
Chances are, Perez will start off at Beloit. If he shows he’s ready, reaching Double-A Pensacola at some point in 2022 is certainly possible.
Again, it’s a matter of the right-hander showing he’s ready, physically and mentally.
Already, Perez is making what normally are tough decisions for front offices, easy ones. So, if he shows he’s up to a challenge, don’t be surprised if he continues to be pushed.
According to Perez, one of the big things he was able to accomplish last year, was not to show any jitters.
“Not being afraid,” he said. “That’s one of the things I learned last year, because it was my first year. You’ve got to keep working hard, and to be able to show you can play in any league.”
Inside the baseball community, Perez is gaining a lot of attention. Publicly, it’s picking up, as well.
Personally, speaking. Several of my sources reached out to me last spring to make sure I was aware of Perez. This was before the rangy right-hander was dominating low-A ball hitters.
“It feels very good when people are talking about you,” Perez said. “But you’ve got to continue working and keep showing you can do the work, and you can handle the job.”
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