The Atlanta Braves re-signed veteran left-handed starter Martin Perez to a minor-league deal.
Atlanta DFA’d Perez this weekend, and the veteran pitcher elected for free agency. Yet, despite electing for free agency, Perez ended up re-signing with Atlanta on a minor-league deal, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
“Martin Perez cleared waivers yesterday, elected free agency, and has signed back with the Braves on a minor league deal,” Heyman wrote on X.
Perez went 0-1 with a 3.14 ERA in 3 games, including 2 starts with the Braves this season. The 35-year-old signed a minor-league deal with the Braves in January, and although he didn’t make the Opening Day roster, he decided to remain with the team.
Atlanta purchased Perez’s contract on March 30 and pitched well before being DFA’d. But, despite electing free agency, Perez opted to remain with Atlanta as he could be back up with the MLB team in the very near future, as he’s some veteran pitching depth.
Perez is a one-time MLB All-Star and won the World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023. In his MLB career, Perez is 91-94 with a 4.40 ERA in 328 games, including 281 starts.
MLB World Reacts to Braves Bringing Back Perez
Atlanta is expected to compete for a playoff spot this season, and the Braves added some more pitching depth by bringing back Perez.
Following the news that the Atlanta re-signed Perez, Braves fans were eager that he opted to return.
“there’s our 5th starter I guess,” a fan wrote.
“low-risk move, could end up a sneaky pickup,” another fan added.
“Honestly huge,” another fan wrote.
Perez could be called back up by the Braves soon as a spot starter or length out of the bullpen as a long reliever. Meanwhile, some other fans of other MLB teams were hoping their team would sign Perez.
“Astros asleep at the wheel,” a fan wrote.
“Not going to lie, glad we could keep him around,” a fan added.
Other Braves fans, meanwhile, felt like Perez shouldn’t have been the pitcher who was DFA’d.
“He wasn’t bad yesterday. Suarez should be gone,” another fan wrote
“I don’t get it. Perez had a $3.4M contract with Atlanta for this year and Suarez a $900K. Well…..whatever. Go Braves!,” a fan added.
“Would have kept Pèrez over Suarez but I know nothing,” a fan wrote.
Luckily for multiple Braves fans, Perez ended up re-signing with the team on a minor-league deal.
Atlanta Happy With Pitching Staff
The Braves had a disappointing season last year, but the team is off to a good start this year.
A key reason for Atlanta’s success this season is the pitching staff, which manager Walt Weiss is pleased with.
“I don’t think it could go any better than it has with our pitching,” Weiss said. “It’s the starters. It’s the bullpen. These guys, you know, are putting us in position to win virtually every night.”
The Braves have a team ERA of 2.93 as Atlanta’s pitching staff has been stellar to begin the 2026 MLB season.
Atlanta is off to an 11-7 start and atop the NL East.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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