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Pittsburgh Pirates: Backup Catcher Options for 2022
By Marty Leap
Michael Pérez
This is not an exciting option, nor is it one that would make Pirate fans happy. That said, do not overlook Michael Pérez returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 for a second consecutive season as the team’s backup catcher.
Back in November the Pittsburgh Pirates outright Pérez off of their 40-man roster. This was done in order to create room on the 40-man roster for players who needed to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft.
That said, Pérez was not claimed by any time after being placed on waivers and outright. Due to this, Pérez remains under the control of the Pirates. This puts him in position to be able to crack the Opening Day roster with the team.
While Pérez struggled in 2021, it was the worst season of his MLB career. After being a quality backup catcher for the Rays in 2018-2020, he posted the worst season of his career in 2021. While Pérez has never been an above average hitter in the Majors, he has ah higher ceiling than he played to in 2021. Do not be surprised if he surfaces as the team’s backup catcher once again in 2022.