In an official announcement, the Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed that Miguel Pérez is set to return for his third consecutive season as the manager of the Indianapolis Indians for the upcoming 2024 season. Pérez, 40, will be joined by familiar faces, including hitting coach Eric Munson and pitching coach Drew Benes, as well as several new additions to the coaching staff.
Joining Pérez in the coaching lineup for the upcoming season are bench coach Chris Truby, former Indians infielder; integrated baseball performance coach Bart Hanegraaff; pitching coach Cibney Bello; and bullpen, catching/game planning coach Chad Noble.
Pérez, who boasts an impressive coaching tenure with the Pirates, is entering his 10th season as a minor league coach for the organization, marking his seventh in a managerial role and third with the Indianapolis Indians. Pérez has contributed significantly to player development, coaching 12 players to their major league debuts in 2023, a feat that ties Indianapolis’ record since becoming the Pirates’ affiliate in 2005.
During the 2023 season, Pérez guided the Indians to a 37-37 record in the second half, achieving a share of first place three times and maintaining an above .500 record from June 30 to August 9. A former catcher, Pérez started his coaching career in 2014 and worked his way through Indianapolis, also serving as a coach in 2016.
Getting to Know Pérez
Born on September 25, 1983, in Guatire, Venezuela, Pérez signed with Cincinnati as an international free agent in 2000 and made his MLB debut on September 7, 2005, against Milwaukee.
Pérez has a solid history as a player. His career spanned seven seasons in the MLB with the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Washington Nationals.
With an impressive coaching tenure and a solid history as a player, Pérez’s return as manager provides needed continuity within the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system. Pérez and the Indians start their 2024 campaign on March 29th when they travel to Louisville.