GLENDALE, Ariz. — Martín Pérez got into a rhythm early during his bullpen session Friday at Camelback Ranch.
The left-hander liked the results after one particular pitch, playfully raising both arms in celebration and yelling, “I’m done,” after successfully executing his plan.
The veteran starter is becoming familiar with his new surroundings after signing a one-year, $5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox this offseason.
He’s hoping to aid the team on the mound and in the clubhouse.
“As a veteran, that’s one thing I have in mind, to try to help the guys and (relay) how you have to be every day to go out and compete,” Pérez told the Tribune on Thursday. “I feel good to be here.”
Pérez, 33, has plenty of wisdom to pass along. He ranks sixth in starts (269), seventh in innings (1,575 2/3) and tied for seventh in victories (90) among active left-handers.
“He’s experienced what it’s like being a young guy (and) he’s done all the things you need to do to have a long, successful career,” Sox manager Will Venable said Thursday. “And for me as a first-year manager, to have somebody like that to be able to lean on and share in the leadership of this thing has been huge.”
Pérez joins a rotation that could be dominated by youth. Options include Jonathan Cannon, Drew Thorpe and Sean Burke, who each made his big-league debut last season.
Pérez has a 90-87 career record with a 4.44 ERA and 1,109 strikeouts in 314 games (269 starts) during 13 big-league seasons with the Texas Rangers (2012-18, 2022-23), Minnesota Twins (2019), Boston Red Sox (2020-21), Pittsburgh Pirates (2024) and San Diego Padres (2024).
“It’s my fourth stint with Martín,” Venable said. “I had him as a teammate in Texas (in 2015), I coached him in Boston and coached him in Texas again. Now to get to do it here is awesome.
“Love Martín. He’s just such a pro. To be able to have that guy in your clubhouse and have the relationship that I have with him, I know it’s going to be impactful this season.”
Pérez is enjoying reuniting with Venable.
“I respect him and he respects everybody here,” Pérez said. “And the communication that he has with everybody is amazing.”
Pérez wants to spend the spring building bonds with his teammates and coaches. Friday, he chatted a few times with pitching coach Ethan Katz during the bullpen session. Pérez received encouragement, with Katz saying, “That was nice,” after one pitch and nodding his head in approval after another.
It’s all part of the process of building up for another season. As is taking the proper steps to remain healthy.
“I try to work on the little things with my body and try to see how my pitches are moving and figure out where I want each pitch,” Pérez said of his spring goals. “I have many, many years in this. When they say, ‘Play ball,’ we’ve got to go outside and compete. Just try to fix all the little things (during spring training) to be ready for the season.”
Pieces of advice — both little and big — from veterans went a long way for Pérez in his first few camps with the Rangers. He’s ready to do likewise in a leadership role with the Sox.
“A lot of guys helped me and told me, ‘Hey, do these things right,’” Pérez said. “They supported me a lot and it meant a lot to have the chance to play with them. Now it’s time for me to do the same with these guys here and I’m happy to do it.”
Veteran Joey Gallo signed to minor-league deal
The Sox signed two-time All-Star Joey Gallo, 31, to a minor-league contract Thursday evening that includes a nonroster invitation to major-league camp.
The outfielder/first baseman has a career .194/.319/.456 slash line with 107 doubles, 208 home runs, 453 RBIs and 497 walks in 939 games during 10 big-league seasons for the Rangers (2015-21), New York Yankees (2021-22), Los Angeles Dodgers (2022), Twins (2023) and Washington Nationals (2024).
Gallo hit .161 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in 76 games for the Nationals last season.
“We like what he does defensively at first base,” Venable said Friday. “Obviously a ton of power. And we feel like there’s some stuff with him that we can get him back to who he was.
“Just a great athlete. Another guy that I played with for a hot second (in Texas). So really like Joey and happy to have him.”
Gallo hit 41 home runs in 2017 and 40 the following season.
He earned All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021 and received Gold Glove awards for his outfield defense in 2020 and ‘21. Venable said Gallo’s primary focus this camp will be first base.
“We’ve been kind of consistent across the board with everyone that there’s opportunity here and how that manifests, we’ll find out as we get closer,” Venable said. “But absolutely there’s opportunity for him and we just have to get through this thing and see how it all shakes out.”
