PITTSBURGH — On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates officially announced the appointment of Miguel Perez as the new bullpen coach for the club. This move marks a significant step in his career, having dedicated nearly twenty years to the Pirates’ organization.

Perez has spent the last three seasons leading the team’s Triple-A affiliate based in Indianapolis, where he has made a lasting impression on numerous prospects. The announcement of his promotion effectively allows Perez to extend the same excitement to others that he has experienced when delivering the news of a call-up to Major League Baseball over the years.

At 41, Perez, a former catcher who played briefly with the Cincinnati Reds, is set to replace Justin Meccage, who did not continue with the team following the 2024 season. Perez first joined the Pirates as a player back in 2008, navigating through the minors with various teams before transitioning into coaching.

As the manager in Indianapolis, he fostered significant relationships with several key players currently contributing to the major league roster, including the National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and shortstop Oneil Cruz. This connection is expected to be invaluable as he steps into his new role.

“Miggy is one of the most respected figures in our player development system. He has profoundly impacted not only the players but also other coaches and managers throughout the organization,” remarked Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “We are really looking forward to what his passion and unique qualities will bring to our team at the major league level.”