Source: Nats sign lefty reliever Pérez to minor-league deal

The Nationals have agreed to a minor-league deal with former Orioles reliever Cionel Pérez

Updated at 8:14 p.m.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Nationals are adding a sorely needed veteran to their bullpen, agreeing to terms this evening on a minor-league contract with former Orioles left-hander Cionel Pérez, a source familiar with the terms confirmed.

The deal, which was first reported by MLB reporters Francys Romero and Jon Heyman, guarantees Pérez a $1.9 million salary if he makes the big-league roster, plus incentives.

Pérez, 29, owns a 4.22 ERA and 1.481 WHIP in 257 career games, most of those with the Orioles. He has enjoyed success missing bats (8.3 strikeouts per nine innings) but has been hurt by erratic command (4.9 walks per nine innings).

Assuming he’s healthy and performs well this spring, Pérez figures to join a Nationals bullpen sorely lacking in experience and track record. If the season began today, rookie manager Blake Butera would probably have to choose between Cole Henry and Clayton Beeter as his closer.

The only left-handed relievers currently on the 40-man roster are PJ Poulin, Richard Lovelady and Ken Waldichuk, the last two of which were only just recently acquired via waiver claims.

Pérez had a breakthrough year for Baltimore in 2022, going 7-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 1.162 WHIP in 66 games out of the bullpen. His numbers dropped each of the next two seasons, then bottomed out in 2025, when he produced an 8.31 ERA and 2.123 WHIP in 19 games before getting designated for assignment and outrighted off the 40-man roster.

Pérez continued to struggle at Triple-A Norfolk, with a 6.85 ERA and 2.194 WHIP in 21 games. His walk rate soared no matter where he pitched last season, up to 7.6 per nine innings.