2021 South Side Sox Top Prospect No. 34: Andrew Perez
The top lefty reliever in the system is poised to make another big leap in 2021
Andrew Perez
Left-Handed Relief Pitcher
6´2´´
196 pounds
Age: 23
SSS rank among all left-handed relief pitchers in the system: 1
2020 SSHP Top Prospect Ranking: 34
2019 SSS Top Prospect Ranking: 53
Andrew Perez, after a typically unsuccessful freshman season, excelled out of the pen for the University of South Florida during his sophomore and junior years. As a junior for the Bulls, he posted a 2.34 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 24 relief appearances. In his 42 innings, he surrendered just 37 hits (.233 OBA) and 12 walks (6.9%) while striking out 50 (28.6%). As a result, the White Sox selected Perez in the eighth round of the 2018 draft.
As an encore with Great Falls and Kannapolis after the draft, Perez combined with both teams for a 2.59 ERA and 1.18 WHIP by allowing 24 hits (.214 OBA) and 13 walks (9.8%) while striking out 31 in 31 1⁄3 innings (23.3%).
The 2019 season saw Perez split his time nearly evenly between Kannapolis and Winston-Salem. While his numbers were good throughout, he gave up more hits with the Intimidators but relinquished more free passes with the Dash. Combined with both teams in 41 relief appearances spanning 67 1⁄3 innings, Perez posted a 1.74 ERA and 1.37 WHIP by allowing 63 hits (.239 OBA) and 29 walks (9.8%) while fanning 86 (29.0%). Perez actually fared better against righties (.230 OBA) as opposed to lefties (.265 OBA).
Perez features a 95 mph heater according to Baseball America, along with a slurvy breaking ball. The lefty seems primed to begin next season with Double-A Birmingham, with Charlotte in his itinerary if his fast climb through the system continues.
Andrew Perez is also on our staff as a player-writer.