Junior Perez: Everything you need to know

The Athletics traded Perez to the White Sox for minor-league lefty pitcher Jackson Nove on Saturday. The A's thought enough of Perez to add him to the 40-man roster last November, but he lost that spot when he was DFA'd on Thursday. The 24-year-old struggled with Triple-A Las Vegas before Saturday's trade, slashing .210/.273/.384 with five home runs, 19 RBI, 23 runs, four stolen bases and a 33.1 percent strikeout rate over 36 games. Perez hit 26 long balls in the minors in 2025 and stole 41 bases in 2023, so he has an intriguing skill set. However, he may need to cut down on the strikeouts to have a chance at an extended big-league career.

The Athletics designated Perez for assignment Thursday. Perez is a toolsy outfielder with swing-and-miss issues, having logged a .657 OPS with five homers, four steals and a 33.1 percent strikeout rate this season at Triple-A Las Vegas. The 24-year-old slashed .231/.348/.473 with 26 home runs and 27 stolen bases between Double-A Midland and Las Vegas in 2025 while sporting a 14.8 percent walk rate and 28.1 percent strikeout rate. There should be interest in Perez via waivers.

The Athletics optioned Perez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday. Perez won't break camp with the Athletics but he should have a good chance at making his MLB debut at some point in 2026 after he was added to the 40-man roster in November following a breakout 2025 campaign. Between stops at Las Vegas and Double-A Midland last season, Perez smacked 26 home runs and stole 27 bases while slashing a collective .231/.348/.473 across 587 plate appearances.