The Atlanta Braves have been searching for a fifth starter this offseason. Spencer Schwellenbach is expected to be ready by opening day, but the injury he suffered is worrisome. The same is true for Reynaldo Lopez and the injury he dealt with during 2025. Because of this, another starting pitcher option would be great for the Braves. On Friday, Atlanta may have found a cheap option to fill in that spot.
Per Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media, the Braves have signed Martin Perez to a minor league deal. There is no indication that Perez has been invited to spring training, but it would not be surprising to see him given a chance.
Perez spent 2025 with the Chicago White Sox, but had an injury-shortened season. He became a free agent this offseason after declining a mutual option from Chicago.
Martin Perez in 2025
GettyMartin Perez has signed a minor league contract with the Braves.
Perez joined the White Sox on a one-year deal and immediately slotted into their rotation. He made just 10 starts, but he was effective when healthy. In 56.0 innings pitched, the left-hander allowed just 40 hits, struck out 44 batters, and finished with a 3.54 ERA. His 1-6 record does not reflect his performance on the field.
His best season came back in 2022 while pitching for the Texas Rangers. He made 32 starts, threw 196.1 innings, struck out 169 batters, and owned a 2.89 ERA. He was selected to his first, and only, All-Star team.
The 34-year-old had his injury issues last year, though. To begin the year, Perez suffered an elbow injury that kept him out for multiple months. Once he returned to the mound, Perez dealt with a shoulder injury.
Those injuries should not be a problem heading into 2026. He will be ready to suit up for opening day should he make the 26-man roster out of spring training.
Martin Perez Fit With The Braves
Chris Sale will be the ace for the Braves in 2026.
The Braves have two aces on their team. Chris Sale and Spencer Strider will be the top two pitchers in the rotation. Perez was never going to be the ace, though. Schwellenbach, Lopez, and Hurston Waldrep are the other three starters in the rotation, according to FanGraphs.
Atlanta has been linked to multiple other starting pitchers during the offseason. Those pitchers are a lot more expensive than Perez is, though. MLB teams, especially now, are financially conscious. Perez is the more financially safe option for the Braves.
With Perez comes a low-risk, high-reward pitcher, as well. When healthy, the lefty can hold his own as a team’s No. 4 or No. 5 starter. He is not going to be the ace, but Perez can give the Braves a chance to win games while eating some innings.
Looking ahead to the season, Atlanta will try to get the bad taste of the 2025 season out of their mouth. The Braves finished 10 games under .500, which was the first time since 2017 that Atlanta had a losing record. Perez is not going to make them a winning team, but he does give the Braves depth in the rotation.
Braves Sign Former All-Star Pitcher to Minor League Deal