Lefty's Glove: Perez Shines in Arizona Fall League

Andy Perez, a 22-year-old shortstop from Santa Clara, Cuba, is currently displaying his talents in the Arizona Fall League with the Salt River Rafters. He began the league with a .269 batting average through his first five games. During the recent 2026 season, Perez earned top defensive honors as the best shortstop in the Eastern League while playing for Double-A Hartford, where he also hit .285. His exceptional glove and accurate throwing arm are key attributes.

Perez's offensive game is characterized by strong bat-to-ball skills, making him aggressive on pitches within the strike zone. This approach led him to walk only 25 times in 128 games during the previous season. The Rockies' Minor League hitting coordinator, Nic Wilson, highlighted Perez's "massive hit tool" and exceptional bat-to-ball abilities, emphasizing a coaching focus on helping him leverage his strengths rather than restricting his free-swinging style. Perez is eligible for the 40-man Major League roster this year, strengthening his position within the Rockies organization. His development comes at a time when other infield prospects faced challenges, such as injuries or draft-related concerns. Perez's unique left-handed glove work and promising all-around game make him a standout prospect.