Get To Know Mariners Third Base Prospect Milkar Perez
The Seattle Mariners have one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball. The Mariners have several high-profile prospects that are well known by Mariners fans. There is plenty of information out there about players such as Julio Rodriguez, George Kirby, and Noelvi Marte. There are some more unknown prospects in the system that are buried beneath the top-tier studs. One such player is Milkar Perez, a third baseman in the lower levels of the M’s farm system.
Milkar Perez was signed by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. He is about six feet tall, and about 215 pounds. Perez is currently a third baseman, but according to Joe Doyle of Prospects Live, he could have to move off of the position as he gets bigger. He is strong and has big legs that help him generate power. As he is only 20 years old, he still has plenty of growing to do, so he could end up as a corner outfielder or at first base.
In 2019, he had a nice year in the Dominican Summer League (DSL). He had an OPS of .769 and had four home runs in his 64 games there. He missed all of 2020 with no minor league season, but he started the 2021 season in the Arizona Complex League (ACL). He raked there, putting up a slash line of .310/.463/.379. He played so well there in 45 games and he earned himself a call up to Low A ball Modesto for the final week of the season, where he put up similar numbers.
His best tool currently is his arm, which is what stands out for him defensively. He can make strong throws from third base across the diamond, but if he outgrows third base it will help him in a corner. He could be a right fielder with an above-average arm if he gets bigger. His defense is a bit fringy right now at third, and he might not be able to play there once he gets bigger.
Here is a video showing Milkar Perez in the ACL in 2021 for the Mariners.
His most exciting ability is his power, which comes from his strong quick swing from both sides of the plate. He has a short swing that he generates good power through. He hits the ball pretty hard a lot. Multiple places suggest that his power can be a little bit above average. He probably will never hit for a great average in the big leagues, but he could have about 20 home runs a year with a slightly below-average batting average.
Overall the future is interesting for Milkar Perez. He could be a third baseman, but most likely looks like a corner outfield spot is in his future. The bat will be the most important part of Milkar Perez’s development and future. Perez is one of the depth pieces in the pipeline and he is certainly interesting and offers good potential. Milkar Perez will not be ready for the big leagues soon, but he is a nice piece that will be ready down the road.