Wenceel Pérez is a Dominican outfielder born in Azua who arrived in the big leagues in April 2024 with the Detroit Tigers. A switch-hitter with speed on the bases, he’s one of the younger building blocks in Detroit’s ongoing rebuild.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Wenceel Pérez
- Position: Outfielder
- Bats / Throws: Switch / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 203 lb
- Born: October 30, 1999 — Azua, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
- MLB Debut: April 8, 2024
- Number: 28
Background
Pérez grew up in Azua, Dominican Republic — a country that has sent some of the game’s best talent to the majors. He worked his way through Detroit’s minor league system, refining his switch-hitting approach and developing as a right fielder before getting the call on April 8, 2024.
Professional Career
In his 2024 debut season, Pérez slashed .242 with 9 home runs, 37 RBI, 51 runs scored, and an OPS of .683 across 51 games. He also stole 9 bases, showing the speed that makes him a threat on the basepaths.
2025 was a clear step forward. Pérez hit .244 with a career-best 13 home runs, 43 RBI, 47 runs, and an OPS of .738 — adding 8 stolen bases along the way. He looked like a player settling into a legitimate role in the Detroit lineup.
2026 brought a setback: his average dropped to .180 with 7 home runs, 17 RBI, and an OPS of .594 in a reduced sample. Still, the organization views him as a prospect with room to grow, and his tools haven’t gone anywhere.
Career Stats
- 2024 Detroit Tigers: .242 AVG | 9 HR | 37 RBI | 51 R | .683 OPS | 9 SB
- 2025 Detroit Tigers: .244 AVG | 13 HR | 43 RBI | 47 R | .738 OPS | 8 SB
- 2026 Detroit Tigers: .180 AVG | 7 HR | 17 RBI | 22 R | .594 OPS | 3 SB
Awards and Milestones
Pérez hasn’t picked up individual MLB awards yet, and he hasn’t appeared in a World Series. His career is still in its early chapters — how far he goes will depend on whether he can rediscover the consistency he showed in 2025.
Fun Fact
What makes Pérez stand out is his switch-hitting ability — a genuinely rare skill in today’s game. Being able to flip sides of the plate depending on the pitcher gives his manager more tactical flexibility and makes Pérez harder to match up against.
