Robert Perez Jr aka Bobby Bombs Brings Power Show to AFL Home Run Derby

Oct 7, 2022; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robert Perez Jr. plays for the Peoria Javelinas during an Arizona Fall League baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2022; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robert Perez Jr. plays for the Peoria Javelinas during an Arizona Fall League baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mariner prospect, Robert Perez Jr. has a nickname, Bobby Bombs, that might be as loud as his massive raw power. The Major League Baseball scouts currently rate that power at 55 out of 80, which is above average. There is a good chance his end-of-year grade will skyrocket as he launched some tape-measure blasts in both Modesto and Everett.

Perez accumulated some eye-popping statistics over two levels this year with a .288/.398/.523 slash line. That performance netted him the Ken Griffey Jr. Minor League Hitter of the Year award for 2022. He ended up in the top five in the Mariners system in runs, doubles, homers, runs batted in, on-base percentage, and slugging.

Robert Perez Jr aka Bobby Bombs will put his power on display in the AFL HR Derby

He’s currently playing for the Peoria Javelinas with the rest of the Mariners prospects in the Arizona Fall League. The slugger is manning first base and designated hitter while putting his strength on display with a team-leading two home runs. While the jury is out on Bobby Bombs’ AFL performance (.260/.328/.420) people in the league are noticing the tremendous power in his bat, especially after he hammered a 448-ft homer this month that might still be flying in the desert sky.

That prodigious blast, one of the longest of the season, earned Robert Perez Jr more accolades, as he locked down a spot in the AFL Home Run Derby next week. He’ll be competing against household names and star prospects, Heston Kjerstad, T.J.Rumfield, Matt Mervis, and Nick Gonzalez in the annual event. He isn’t as heralded as those in the field, but something tells me he can more than hold his own.

Fans of Bobby Bombs power stroke can watch the AFL Home Run Derby on Saturday, November 5th via the Arizona Fall League free stream. It’ll be a good chance for Mariners fans to familiarize themselves with one of the better power bats in the system.

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