Pérez began his MLB career with the Kansas City Royals, making his debut on September 4, 1987. During his time with the Royals, he showed potential as a starting pitcher, but it was his trade to the Chicago White Sox in 1989 that provided him with more opportunities to develop his skills. The trade was part of a deal that sent him to Chicago along with other players in exchange for Floyd Bannister and Dave Cochrane.
With the White Sox, Pérez became known for his ability to strike out batters, thanks to his fastball and effective breaking pitches. In 1990, he achieved a personal milestone by throwing a no-hitter against the New York Yankees on July 12, although the game was shortened to six innings due to rain. This performance highlighted his potential as a dominant pitcher in the league.
Pérez's tenure with the White Sox lasted until 1991, when he was traded to the New York Yankees. His time in New York marked a period of both challenges and achievements. While he struggled with consistency at times, he also delivered strong performances, including a career-high 218 strikeouts in the 1992 season. That year, he posted a 2.87 ERA, which was among the best in the American League, and he became a reliable starter in the Yankees' rotation.
Injuries, however, began to affect Pérez's career. He faced shoulder issues that limited his playing time and effectiveness on the mound. Despite these setbacks, he continued to pitch for the Yankees until 1995. His final MLB appearance came on September 25, 1995, marking the end of his professional baseball career.
Throughout his career, Pérez was known for his competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure.
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