The Chicago White Sox are starting left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez, a seasoned veteran in his 14th MLB season, after using younger pitchers in the first three games of 2025. Pérez, who has 269 career starts and a World Series title, joined the Sox on a one-year, $5 million contract and had a strong spring training with a 2.25 ERA. He appreciates being part of a team with a good mix of talent and ambition, expressing confidence in his young teammates and emphasizing the importance of preparation. Pérez aims to contribute effectively as the pitching staff continues to excel.
CHICAGO – The White Sox kicked off the 2025 season by starting pitchers with a maximum of two seasons of MLB experience in the initial three games, but on Monday, it’s time for the veteran to take the mound.
Martín Pérez, a left-handed pitcher in his 14th MLB season, has made 269 career starts and logged over 1,500 innings. He earned an All-Star nod in 2022 and secured a World Series title with the Texas Rangers. The White Sox mark his sixth MLB team, having played for nine years in Texas, where he recorded a standout 2.89 ERA over 196.1 innings in 2022.
Pérez signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the White Sox in January and put up a solid 2.25 ERA across 16 spring training innings with his new club. He considers Chicago one of his favorite cities and is thrilled to join a starting rotation that has yet to allow an earned run through 17 innings over three games.
“I’m excited to be back in a big league stadium and proud to be part of this team,” Pérez remarked. “I feel like we’ve been performing exceedingly well. The expectations we had upon arriving were high, and I think we’re living up to them. Personally, I’m just eager to pitch, man. I want to go deep into games and do my part to help us secure victories.”
Additional details regarding Monday’s game are as follows.
White Sox
Twins
On Sunday, White Sox manager Will Venable provided an update on outfielder Mike Tauchman, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Thursday due to a right hamstring strain.
“He’s doing well. I believe he’s either healthy or close to it and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon to get some at-bats,” Venable said. “We’re monitoring the situation day by day, but I’m encouraged by his progress.”
(2024 stats)
Martín Pérez discusses his upcoming start
On his feelings during spring training…
Pérez: “It went well, man. Spring training was productive. I worked on several aspects of my delivery, especially in my last two outings in Arizona which felt great. It prepared me to come here and contribute to the team’s success. Our pitching coaches are doing an excellent job, not only with me but with the entire group, sharing valuable insights on how we should pitch and perfect our deliveries. Having this support is empowering because it provides a strong foundation.”
On joining the White Sox organization this season…
Pérez: “There is a wealth of talent here. This organization has a storied history, and while last year wasn’t ideal, I believe they showed potential during the final two weeks of the season. Being part of this group means a lot to me, especially given my extensive time in the league. The team is eager to learn and improve daily. In our recent games, everyone is putting in the effort and believing in our skills. Being part of this team is significant because I feel great here. I still possess that passion and love for the game, my teammates, and the competition. It feels wonderful to be in one of my favorite cities and to be affiliated with this team.”
On being the seasoned pitcher in a rotation filled with younger talent…
Pérez: “I focus on helping them understand how to prepare for each outing, as each one varies. You won’t necessarily go out and throw six or seven every five days. My main advice is that if they prepare well, external factors become less concerning. We aim for solid results, but if things don’t go as planned, it’s okay as they’ll be ready. Their commitment to preparation is commendable, and I appreciate their humility and curiosity. I have no intention of taking anyone’s spot; I’m solely here to support all of them and contribute to the team’s success.”
On the pitching staff’s current performance…
Pérez: “We’re doing well. We possess a lot of talent and our communication is effective. With strong pitching coaches and the positive energy from our manager, I feel fortunate to be part of this pitching group. There are no egos here, which is refreshing. A humble team tends to lead to great outcomes, and I believe good things are coming.”
On what constitutes a successful start…
Pérez: “I’m going to step onto the mound and compete. My pitches are ready, and my focus is on executing, man. I’m not a thrower; I’m not hitting 100 mph. My goal is to locate my pitches and understand their game plan against me. I aim to disrupt their timing to create opportunities for our team to win, plain and simple.”
On the difference between being a pitcher and merely a thrower…
Pérez: “Absolutely; I find joy in watching pitchers throw hard. For instance, that eighth-inning guy [Saturday] was the hardest thrower last year at 105. That’s impressive, and I have no grievances with it. However, the real challenge lies in throwing hard and placing the ball effectively. If you’re throwing hard but not hitting strikes, your career will be short-lived. In my earlier years, I was clocked at 96, sometimes 97, with an average around 94-95. However, over time, I’ve focused on precision rather than velocity. I learned from Greg Maddux, one of my mentors, who always emphasized that it’s not about how hard you throw, but where you place the ball. His guidance was instrumental in helping me reach the big leagues back in 2012.”