Hernan Perez

Perez reprised his role as a utility player for the Brewers last season, though he received over 100 fewer at-bats than the did the year before and saw his OPS fall for the second year in a row. The Brewers value Perez's versatility -- he can play both infield and outfield -- and decided to bring him back for another season. That almost certainly guarantees him a spot on the Opening-Day roster barring anything drastic in spring training, but don't expect him to see any more playing time than he did in 2018. He figures to see the bulk of his playing time at second base, and against left-handed pitchers, given that he posted an OPS north of .780 while facing southpaws in each of the last three years.

Perez's numbers from 2016 to 2017 weren't all that different, with the notable exception being his steep decline in the stolen base department despite the Brewers still finishing first in the National League in that category. Despite a strong 2016 campaign it was assumed that Perez would fill a super utility role for a second straight season, and he did just that, starting games at every defensive position besides first base and catcher. While Perez lacks a regular spot in the Brewers' starting nine, he still plays enough and contributes enough to the power and speed categories to hold value in deeper fantasy leagues, and he would generally be first in line for regular playing time in the event of an injury. However, unless he starts stealing bases like he did two years ago, he's not going to be more than an insurance option for fantasy owners to begin the year.

A couple years ago, Perez was one of the Tigers' better prospects, but even by those standards, his 2016 came as quite a surprise. He flashed decent power and excelled with his speed over 123 games for the Brewers. His main weakness is his lack of plate discipline (4.2 percent walk rate), which resulted in a poor .302 OBP. Unfortunately, Perez is unlikely to see everyday at-bats in 2017, which caps his upside. He could occupy the short side of a platoon with Eric Thames or Travis Shaw at the infield corners, and his ability to play at least passably at every outfield and infield spot should allow him to get occasional starts elsewhere when a righty is on the hill. When he does see playing time, he should continue to have the green light on the bases, which will be his main source of fantasy value. Of course, if any number of players suffered an injury, he could be thrust into everyday duty, which would make his stock soar.

The Brewers claimed Perez off of waivers from the Tigers in June in an attempt to get a utility player with more offensive upside than fellow utility man Elian Herrera. After a rough start with the Tigers at the beginning of the season, Perez produced a decent .270 batting average and even held the starting second base job and third base job at different points of the year. Perez is a candidate for the starting third base job headed into spring training given his solid production while being more of a fill-in for regular players in 2015, but his situation is worth monitoring in case the Brewers decide to go with another utility player in Elian Herrera for their third base needs or if they want to see what younger players like Yadiel Rivera can bring to the table. Either way, Perez's ability to play every infield position will help his case for more playing time, but it remains to be seen what his final role will be in the upcoming season.

Other than an eight-game stint in September, Perez was relegated to minor league duty at Triple-A Toledo in 2014. For the second consecutive season, he put together a decent showing in the minors, hitting .287/.331/.404 with 45 extra-base hits (six homers, seven triples, 32 doubles), 21 steals, 53 RBI and 69 runs. He showed improved plate discipline in his first full season at the highest level of the minors, posting a 65:36 K:BB ratio in 547 at-bats. Perez played primarily shortstop for the Mud Hens, once again providing steady defense. It remains to be seen if his long-term position will be shortstop or second base, but since he profiles more as a utility infielder in the majors, the diversity should be considered a plus. With Ian Kinsler, Jose Iglesias, and Andrew Romine expected to assume the starting and backup middle-infield gigs, Perez will have a tough time cracking the Opening Day roster.

After putting together a successful showing during his first prolonged exposure to the higher levels of the minors, Perez has piqued the interest of the Tigers’ brass. Perez hit .301/.330/.410 with 38 steals, 48 runs and 39 RBI in 429 at-bats split between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo last season. His first lengthy stint with the Tigers was quite a bit bumpier than his strong showing in the minors, as Perez hit just .197 in 66 at-bats. Despite the rough showing in Detroit, the Tigers’ brass remain optimistic Perez can develop into a quality major league second baseman. He’s already considered a plus defender at the position while possessing the skills to fill in at shortstop at times, and his speed makes him a threat on the basepaths. But Perez’s aggressiveness at the plate and inability to draw a free pass – his walk rate has never topped 6.8 percent in his minor league travels – could cap his impact in the steals category. Prior to the team’s acquisition of Ian Kinsler in November, Detroit was giving serious consideration to looking at Perez as an everyday option at second base. The 23-year-old infielder won’t be seeing regular at-bats with Detroit this season, but he should carve out a role as one of the team’s primary bench options, likely assuming the duties that Ramon Santiago has held over the past six years.

The 20-year-old middle infielder hit .258/.314/.364 in 503 at-bats with Low-A West Michigan in 2011. Perez is a solid line-drive hitter with power to the gaps. He doesn't profile as a power hitter, but he could provide decent pop for a middle infielder once he fully develops. His 23 steals hint at a future base-stealing threat, but Perez doesn't have the elite-level speed required to be a big-time theft at the major league level. At 20, he still has plenty of time to develop, but Perez projects as nothing more than a utility player at this time.