RHP Perez traded to Reds for PTBNL or cash

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays traded right-hander Hector Perez to the Reds for a player to be named later or cash, the club announced Friday.

This move clears a spot on the 40-man roster that can be used for George Springer, whose six-year, $150 million deal is expected to be made official soon.

Perez, 24, came over from the Astros in the Roberto Osuna deal in 2018, and he was the last remaining piece of that deal still with the club. Ken Giles, the headliner of that return, is now a free agent after undergoing Tommy John surgery, while right-hander David Paulino was released in '19.

Perez made his Major League debut for the Blue Jays in 2020, allowing two runs over 1 2/3 innings in his lone outing, and he spent time at the alternate training site. His last full season came in '19, when he posted a 4.60 ERA over 121 1/3 innings for Double-A New Hampshire.

Known as a high-strikeout arm, thanks to his impressive velocity and movement coming up with the Astros, Perez has been limited at times in the Minor Leagues by walks. Over parts of five seasons in the Minors, Perez has struck out 10 batters per nine innings but walked 5.2.

Once the Springer deal is official, the 40-man roster will return to 40, meaning that corresponding moves will be required for any future Major League additions.