Cionel Pérez Bio
Cionel Félix Pérez Viera is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles. Pérez signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2016 and made his MLB debut in 2018. Over his career, he has established himself as a capable pitcher with notable statistics, including a win-loss record of 15-6 and an earned run average of 4.22.
Early Life and Background
Cionel Pérez was born on April 21, 1996, in Cuba. Growing up in a country with a rich baseball tradition, he was exposed to the sport at an early age. His passion for baseball led him to play for Matanzas in the Cuban National Series, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising pitcher. Pérez’s journey in baseball began in his youth, and he quickly gained recognition for his talent.
Path to Baseball
Cionel Pérez’s professional career began when he signed with the Houston Astros in 2016 as an international free agent. His initial contract was voided due to a physical issue, but he quickly secured a new deal worth $2 million. Pérez made his professional debut with the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits in 2017, where he showcased his potential by posting a 6-4 record and a 4.13 earned run average across multiple levels in the minor leagues. This performance earned him a spot on the Astros’ 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft.
Cionel Pérez Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Cionel Pérez made his Major League Baseball debut on July 11, 2018, with the Houston Astros. In his first season, he appeared in five games, recording a win-loss record of 1-1 and an earned run average of 10.00. In 2019, he played for various teams within the Astros organization, including the Gulf Coast League Astros and the Triple-A Round Rock Express. He ended the season with a 3-1 record and a 4.94 earned run average, striking out 58 batters in 54.2 innings pitched. In 2020, Pérez improved his performance, making seven appearances and achieving a 2.84 earned run average with eight strikeouts.
Breakthrough (2021–2025)
On January 23, 2021, Cionel Pérez was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he made 25 appearances during the season. He compiled a record of 1-2 with a 6.38 earned run average. Later that year, on November 24, Pérez was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. He had a significant impact with the Orioles, recording his first career save on June 12, 2022, in a game against the Kansas City Royals. In 2022, he made 66 appearances, achieving a remarkable 7-1 record with a 1.40 earned run average and 55 strikeouts.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Cionel Pérez has established himself as a reliable pitcher. His notable achievements include a win-loss record of 15-6 and an earned run average of 4.22. His performance with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 was particularly impressive, showcasing his potential as a key player in the bullpen.
Cionel Pérez Award Nominations
Cionel Pérez has not received any notable award nominations during his career thus far.
Cionel Pérez Awards Won
Cionel Pérez has not won any major awards during his professional baseball career.
Cionel Pérez Family
Cionel Pérez is married and has two children. Specific details about his spouse and children are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Cionel Pérez maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known to be married and has two children, but further details about his family life are not widely disclosed.