According to a number of sources, free agent Martin Perez and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to an $8 million, one-year contract. Perez, who most recently played for the Texas Rangers for two seasons, signed a $4 million contract to play for the team in 2022. Following an outstanding campaign, he accepted the qualifying offer for 2023.

Regretfully, Perez’s prior achievement could not be repeated in 2023. The 32-year-old left-hander was only used in three postseason games when the Rangers were already behind. He was shifted to the bullpen in mid-August. Perez pitched 141 innings during the regular season, compiling a 4.45 ERA and a 4.99 FIP.

The Rangers expressed interest in getting Perez back, but it’s thought that their offer was much less than what the Pirates made. By signing Perez, the Pirates want to stabilize their lineup for the 2024 campaign.