MLB Rookie Report: Yefri Perez, OF, Miami Marlins

On July 3rd the Miami Marlins purchased the contract of outfielder Yefri Perez from Double-A Jacksonville. He was sent back to the minors on July 4th without getting an at-bat in the Show, but with a spot on the 40-man he may return to the majors later this year. Let's take a look at his chances.

Perez is from the Dominican Republic, signed by the Marlins back in 2008. He didn't emerge on the prospect charts until 2014 when he hit .288/.335/.335 with 30 steals in 421 at-bats in Low-A. He swiped an impressive 71 bases last year in High-A but with a tepid .240/.286/.269 slash line. In 2016 he's hitting .254/.329/.307 with 37 steals, 34 walks, and 56 strikeouts in 287 at-bats in Double-A.

Age 25, Perez is a 5-11, 175 pound switch-hitter born February 24, 1991. His best tool is speed and he uses it very well on the basepaths and in the outfield. Unfortunately he has very little power and while his ability to make contact is decent enough, the lack of pop limits what he can do offensively. He's been an aggressive hitter for most of his career but has made an effort to be more selective this season, doubling his walk rate compared to past campaigns. However, it is expected that major league pitchers will challenge him and it remains to be seen if he'll show enough pop with the bat to survive, even in a bench role.

Perez came into pro ball as a shortstop but moved to the outfield in 2013. He's adapted well in center and the Marlins continue to give him innings around the infield to enhance his versatility and give him a chance to be a bench asset.

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