The Nationals have signed former Orioles left-hander Cionel Pérez to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation, a source confirms. This move adds another question mark to the Nationals' bullpen, as Pérez brings major league experience and a strong chance of making the opening day roster if he can recapture his earlier success with the Orioles. Pérez's contract is a split-level agreement, paying him $1.9 million plus incentives if he's in the majors, according to the New York Post. Despite his struggles with the Orioles last season, walking 18 batters in 21 2/3 innings with an 8.31 ERA, Pérez's WHIP ballooned to 2.123. The Nationals have the room to take chances, with right-handers Cole Henry and Clayton Beeter already locked into the bullpen. Beyond that, the competition is wide open, and Pérez has a pedigree of success in key innings, posting a 1.40 ERA in 57 2/3 innings in 2022, with 55 strikeouts and 21 walks. However, he regressed in 2024 and 2025, and was designated for assignment midway through last season. Pérez's best pitch is a sinker that sits in the mid-90s, coupled with a slider that boasted a 33.9% whiff rate last year, even as he struggled. He uses a slower slurve to good effect. With other southpaw options out of the bullpen, such as Richard Lovelady and PJ Poulin, Pérez may prove to be a key lefty in Washington.
