O's reach agreement with catcher Carlos Pérez on minors deal

The Orioles have made a move to improve their catching depth in the organization.

Carlos Pérez, 28, has agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training pending the completion of a physical. He can earn a guaranteed $650,000 if he makes the Orioles roster.

Pérez is a native of Venezuela who appeared in eight games with the Braves and 20 with the Rangers last season and was 10-for-70 with two doubles and a home run. He hasn't done much offensively in the majors, slashing .215/.257/.319 in parts of four seasons.

In parts of 11 minor league seasons, Pérez has batted .290/.368/.421 with 145 doubles, 30 triples and 36 home runs. He hit .316/.368/.494 last summer in 22 games with Triple-A Round Rock. He's a career .301/.363/.437 hitter in 280 Triple-A games spread over six seasons.

Pérez has thrown out 56 of 146 (38 percent) runners attempting to steal in the majors. He's thrown out 36 percent in the minors and has developed a nice reputation for pitch framing.

The Angels traded Pérez to the Braves on March 31 and the Rangers claimed him off waivers in May. He was granted free agency in November.

Pérez has been involved in three trades since the Blue Jays signed him as an amateur free agent in January 2008. He was included in the 10-player deal between the Jays and Astros in July 2012. Houston sent him to Angels two years later for Hank Conger.

The Orioles have three catchers on their 40-man roster - Austin Wynns, Chance Sisco and Andrew Susac. They also have Martin Cervenka in the system, though he hasn't played above the Double-A level.

Veteran Caleb Joseph was non-tendered on Nov. 30 and he remains a free agent. The Orioles have continued discussions with his agent.

USA Today first reported the agreement.