The White Sox improved by 19 wins from the 2024 to the 2025 season, marking significant improvement. Additionally, the White Sox played much better than a 60-102 team for most of the second half, as they had some important contributions from the rookies on the roster.

As we dissect the 2025 season, we will take a look at how each player performed, as well as their outlook for 2026 and beyond. The next player we will take a look at will be starting pitcher Martín Pérez.

Martín Pérez signed a contract with the White Sox last offseason, as it was a one year deal with a 10 million dollar mutual option for the 2026 season. This was a solid deal for the White Sox, as Pérez has had a very long and successful major league career, as he had proven he could be a veteran leader in the clubhouse and in the rotation.

Pérez was a steady presence for the White Sox when he pitched in 2025, as he was very good in limited action. Unfortunately, Pérez missed a significant chunk of the season due to an elbow injury, however he still managed to log 56 innings with the team.

Prior to going on the injured list, Pérez had a 3.15 ERA over four starts. This was exactly what the White Sox were hoping to get out of Pérez, as they needed a lefty innings eater for the rotation.

Due to injury, Pérez would be out until August 13th, when he made his return against the Detroit Tigers. He threw 3.1 innings of one run ball, striking out four. Pérez would finish off August strong, as he had a 1.25 ERA in 25 innings.

September would be a rough month for Pérez, as he had 7.53 ERA over 14 innings. Despite two rough starts, Pérez’s season line was still very good. In 56 innings, Pérez had a 3.54 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 44 strikeouts. This was good for a 1.3 WAR according to Baseball Reference, and had he played the whole year, he would have likely had one of his best seasons in terms of WAR. Pérez would grade out as an A- for his very good performance in an abbreviated season.

Martín Pérez put on a show 🍿 pic.twitter.com/0fS9qERPR9

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 31, 2025

The White Sox have absolutely no money on the books for 2026, so exercising Pérez’s team option would be a no brainer. Since it is a mutual option, Pérez will also have to opt-in, but he spoke very highly of his time with the team so it would be surprising if he didn’t.

Pérez will be a stable presence for the White Sox rotation in 2026 and will look to eat a ton of innings while some of the younger arms recover from Tommy John surgery. If he does well, I would expect him to be moved at the deadline for a prospect, as the White Sox will likely want to see what they have in some of their young arms who haven’t gotten much MLB playing time.