Cionel Perez

Perez is an undersized (5-foot-11) southpaw with significant pedigree who fits best as a high-leverage reliever capable of getting more than three outs. He is technically competing for a spot in the starting rotation this spring, but is more of a depth option in that competition. Signed out of Cuba for $5.15 million in 2016, Perez boasts a 70-grade mid-90s fastball that is a swing-and-miss pitch in any count. His above-average breaking ball plays nicely off the heater, but he lacks a true third pitch. This would not preclude him from going three or four innings as a starter in a piggyback game -- the Astros have been utilizing this strategy in the minors, allowing multiple pitchers to throw around four innings rather than asking one pitcher to turn a lineup over more than twice. However, Perez would generate the most fantasy value as a Josh Hader type of reliever who picks up wins and the occassional save. Perez is more of a ratio risk than Hader, and he lacks that type of strikeout upside, so he has minimal fantasy value at this point in most formats.

The Cuban defector signed a deal in September with the Astros that included a $5.15 million signing bonus. However, the deal was voided in October due to an unspecified medical issue. He later signed with the Astros again for $2 million. If he can overcome the medical concern, Perez may quickly become the top left-handed pitching prospect in the Astros organization. He features a mid-to-low-90s fastball, a breaking ball with above average potential and a changeup that he is still working on developing, as he didn't use it much in Cuba. Perez's last season in Cuba was impressive, as he posted a 2.06 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 17 starts. Given his incomplete repertoire and slight stature (5-foot-11, 170 pounds), Perez carries plenty of bullpen risk. Without frontline upside or any stateside success, he can be simply monitored in most dynasty leagues for now.