Cionel Pérez Bio
Cionel Félix Pérez Viera, born on April 21, 1996, is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Over the course of his Major League Baseball career, he has played for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles, working primarily as a relief pitcher. He first signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2016 and made his MLB debut in 2018.
Standing out for his resilience through roster moves and his evolution from a starter in the minor leagues to a dependable reliever in the majors, Pérez has built a reputation as a left-handed pitcher capable of handling high-leverage innings. Across his MLB tenure, he has posted a win-loss record of 15-6 with an earned run average of 4.22, reflecting both the highs and challenges of a multi-team career.
Early Life and Background
Cionel Félix Pérez Viera was born on April 21, 1996, in Cuba. Growing up in a country with a deep baseball tradition, he was exposed to the sport from an early age. Cuba’s National Series system has long been recognized as one of the most competitive amateur leagues in the world, producing numerous major league talents.
Before pursuing a career in Major League Baseball, Pérez developed his skills within Cuba’s baseball structure. He played two seasons for Matanzas of the Cuban National Series, where he showcased the arm strength and pitching instincts that would eventually attract interest from MLB clubs.
As a young Cuban athlete with major league aspirations, Pérez took the significant step of pursuing opportunities outside the Cuban system. This decision set him on the path toward professional baseball in the United States, requiring him to navigate the international free agent process.
Path to Baseball
In September 2016, Pérez signed a contract worth $5.15 million with the Houston Astros as an international free agent. However, that deal was voided in October due to an issue discovered during his physical examination. On December 9 of the same year, he agreed to a new deal with the Astros worth $2 million, officially launching his professional career in the United States.
Pérez made his professional debut in 2017 with the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits. He was later promoted during the same season to the High-A Buies Creek Astros and the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks. Across 21 total games, including 16 starts, he posted a 6-4 record and 4.13 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. Following the season, the Astros added Pérez to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
He made his major league debut on July 11, 2018, marking the culmination of his rapid climb through the minor league system.
Cionel Pérez Career
Houston Astros Era (2018–2020)
Pérez made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros on July 11, 2018. In 2019, he split time between the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Astros, High-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers, and Triple-A Round Rock Express, going 3-1 with a 4.94 ERA and 58 strikeouts over 54 and two-thirds innings. He appeared in 5 games for the Astros that year, going 1-1 with a 10.00 ERA and 7 strikeouts over 9 innings.
In 2020, Pérez appeared in 7 games for Houston, registering a 2.84 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 6 and one-third innings of work, hinting at the potential that would soon emerge in a relief role.
Cincinnati Reds (2021)
On January 23, 2021, the Astros traded Pérez to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Luke Berryhill. Pérez made 25 appearances for Cincinnati during the 2021 season, compiling a 1-2 record and 6.38 ERA with 25 strikeouts across 24 innings pitched. His time with the Reds was brief but provided him with the opportunity to adjust to a new organization.
Baltimore Orioles Era (2022–2025)
On November 24, 2021, Pérez was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. His move to Baltimore marked a turning point in his career. On June 12, 2022, he recorded his first career save in a 10-7 win over the Kansas City Royals. Pérez made 66 appearances for Baltimore in 2022, pitching to a 7-1 record and 1.40 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 57 and two-thirds innings, a stellar season that established him as a reliable late-inning option.
In 2023, he appeared in 65 contests for the Orioles, compiling a 4-2 record and 3.54 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 3 saves across 53 and one-third innings. He took a step back in 2024, working to a 4.53 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 2 saves across 62 relief appearances.
Pérez made 19 appearances for Baltimore in 2025, but struggled to an 8.31 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 21 and two-thirds innings. He was designated for assignment following the promotion of Yaramil Hiraldo on May 24, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on May 31. In 21 appearances for Norfolk, he struggled to a 1-2 record and 6.85 ERA. Pérez elected free agency on September 29.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a left-handed relief pitcher, Pérez has shown the ability to handle high-leverage situations, particularly during his standout 2022 campaign with the Orioles when he posted a 1.40 ERA. His arm strength and resilience through multi-inning relief appearances have made him a versatile option out of the bullpen.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Pérez’s career is his first career save on June 12, 2022, against the Kansas City Royals, a milestone that highlighted his growth into a late-inning reliever. His 2022 season, in which he went 7-1 with a 1.40 ERA, stands as the high-water mark of his major league career.
Cionel Pérez Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career, Pérez has accumulated 15 wins against 6 losses, with his most productive stretch coming during the 2022 season with the Baltimore Orioles. His ability to adapt and contribute across multiple organizations speaks to his perseverance and continued value as a relief pitcher.
Baltimore Orioles Highlights
During his time with the Orioles from 2022 to 2025, Pérez emerged as a dependable bullpen arm. His standout 2022 campaign featured a 7-1 record and 1.40 ERA across 66 appearances, making him one of the most effective relievers in the Baltimore pitching staff that year. He continued to contribute in 2023 with a 4-2 record and 3.54 ERA.
Cionel Pérez Family
Personal Life
Pérez is married and has two children. His family life has remained largely private, with his focus consistently centered on his professional baseball career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved challenging for Pérez. After beginning the year with the Baltimore Orioles, he struggled to an 8.31 ERA across 19 appearances before being designated for assignment on May 24 following the promotion of Yaramil Hiraldo.
After clearing waivers, Pérez was sent outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on May 31. With Norfolk, he made 21 appearances, compiling a 1-2 record and 6.85 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 22 and one-third innings. He elected free agency on September 29, concluding his tenure with the Orioles organization.
As Pérez evaluates his next move in free agency, his career track record, including a standout 2022 season and continued contributions through 2024, positions him as an experienced left-handed reliever potentially capable of contributing to a major league bullpen.