In December I began a mini-series called “polarizing prospects,” also known as “who can win the coveted Daric Barton award?” First on the list was Henry Bolte, who is now knocking on the MLB door. Next up is another fast outfielder who is “MLB ready” — if he’s ever ready at all. Is he a 5-tool late blooming stud or just another Cristian Pache from another mother. Meet Junior Perez, now 24 after 8 seasons in the minors with the Padres and A’s.
Quickie History
The Padres signed Perez as he was turning
17, then traded him to the A’s during the pandemic for 2 COVID kits and a vaccine to be named later. Perez has spent 5 seasons in the A’s minors, starting in A ball and ending last season at AAA.
Strengths
Two strengths stand out with Perez. One is that he is considered to be a ‘plus’ CFer, which is no small attribute and might make him a useful 4th/5th OFer just for that skill set. The other is his speed, which has helped him steal as many as 41 bases in a MiLB season.
Additionally, Perez is consummately “toolsy” flashing power, athleticism, the ability to impact the game with his arms, feet, and glove. He has consistently shown a keen eye with walk rates between 10.3% and 16.5% at every stop.
As a late bloomer and accomplished CFer with questions around his hit tool, Perez is somewhat reminiscent of Denzel Clarke.
Weaknesses
The main one is that Perez has been incredibly up and down throughout his MiLB career, going on hot streaks but also extended cold streaks that are worrisome.
Never was this more on display than in AA in 2025, where he opened the season crushing the ball in April to the tune of a .308/.407/.526. Then came May, June, and July: .165/.272/.412 followed by .175/.316/.275 followed by .167/.293/.381. Promoted to AAA Las Vegas anyway to help the team down the stretch, all Perez did in August was to bat .306/.443/.729.
A big culprit is the dreaded strikeout. Perez has whiffed in about 30% of his PAs in his MiLB career, though he has gotten it from above 30% each season initially to just below (26%-28%) the past 3 seasons.
What does this all mean for 2026? One might view Perez as Clarke’s understudy, someone to start off at AAA but have ready as a true CFer if Clarke lands on the IL. In theory, Perez could push for a roster spot out of camp since his right-handed bat complements the left-handed stylings of Carlos Cortes. His competition right now for that spot would be Colby Thomas.
Is Perez a late blooming stud or is he just another talented athlete with too limited a skill set to contribute meaningfully? Polarize away….
