Texas Rangers: Should Martin Perez Stay in Arlington Next Season?

The Rangers have a difficult decision to make over the off-season regarding what they should do with pitcher Martin Perez. The young lefty has team options on his contract, but the organization is unsure if he has a future in Arlington?

It’s been hard to pinpoint whether Martin Perez is actually a reliable Major League pitcher. Throughout his Texas Rangers career it has been a mixed bag of results, and it could make the organization nervous about the future.

This season Perez is 9-10 with a 5.00 ERA in 25 starts with Texas. He’s allowed 174 hits in just 144 innings of work. He’s put together a few solid outings since the All-Star break, but is it enough to keep him around in Arlington?

The Rangers have a 2018 team option worth $6 million for Perez, and two more options following that. He’s a 26-year-old starter that is under control which is usually a great sign, but his struggles could be too much of a risk for Texas.

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In 2013 Perez had a breakout rookie campaign which he’s failed to follow that with much success at all. He’s finished each of the following seasons with an ERA over 4.20, and has given up more hits than innings pitched the last three seasons.

Despite his struggles on the mound Perez is posting a 1.2 WAR this season. He’s heading for a career high in home runs allowed, and his command hasn’t improved much from last season.

It’s a tough decision for general manager Jon Daniels to make. Always difficult to let a young pitcher go, but Perez hasn’t been reliable. If the Rangers are serious about contending in 2018, then they will need better options than Perez.

If the Rangers are going into a rebuild mode or restructure season then accept the team option on Perez. Try to build up his value and then possibly trade him if the Rangers can find a buyer. Otherwise if the Rangers want to win in 2018 it’ll likely have to happen without Martin Perez.