Tony Perezchica finds new home with Astros

HOUSTON – Tony Perezchica never thought he would leave the Diamondbacks and the state of Arizona after 22 seasons. Perezchica served as the third base coach for the past eight years under manager Torey Lovullo, helping win an NL pennant in 2023.

Nonetheless, he was ready for a change.

Astros manager Joe Espada hired Perezchica after Houston parted ways with former third base coach Gary Pettis, a fan favorite who spent 10 seasons with the team and was known for his aggressive base-running tactics.

Now, Houston has a new third base coach with a different base-running philosophy.

“You got to be aggressive, but you got to be smart,” Perezchica said at Astros FanFest. “Learning how to turn the bases sharply so us, as coaches, could make better decisions on the bases. I’m sure during spring training that’s going to be detailed work for all our decision players. For me that could be instilled in them.

“Putting pressure on the defense is the number one thing. That’s what we talked about when I was in Arizona, is putting pressure on the defense and letting the other team commit their errors. We feel with this team we have here very athletic, have speed, and we can do the same thing.”

Espada praises Perezchica

Tony Perezchica has known Espada since 2017, when Espada was the Yankees’ third base coach. Perezchica started his coaching career in the Yankees’ farm system as a hitting coach for the Class-AA Norwich Navigators. The following season, he coached Class-AAA Columbus Clippers. In 1999 to 2001, he coached in Class-A Greensboro Bats.

Moreover, the Diamondbacks hired him in 2003 to manage their Rookie level team, Missoula Osprey. Perezchica then managed the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks in 2004, and the Class-AA Tennessee Smokies the following season.

It is obvious Espada has a healthy respect for Perezchica. He praises his new third base coach for being very knowledgeable. Perezchica’s trajectory to the big leagues appealed to Espada because he has managed in the minors, been an infield coordinator, and built a reputation as a great teacher who can relate to many people.

“It’s someone who I have known for a very long time,” Espada says of Perezchica. “He brings a different voice, a different perspective on things. … I think for us to continue to move forward and continue to grow as an organization. You need different voices in different areas and I’m excited to have Tony on our staff.”

Defensive-minded

Besides Perezchica becoming the Astros new third base coach, he’s also the infield coach/run-prevention coordinator. The native of Mexicali, Mexico, has an impressive track record helping infielders improve their defense and win multiple Gold Glove Awards. 

Perezchica helped infielders Nick Ahmed, Paul Goldschmidt, and Christian Walker win the prestigious award through his time in Arizona. In addition, second baseman Ketel Marte, catcher Gabriel Moreno, and Walker were all Rawlings Gold Glove finalists in 2024. Walker brought in his third consecutive Gold Glove and was the lone D-back to win the award.

“Tony has changed my career for sure,” Walker said of Perezchica in his introductory press conference. “Instant credibility when you’re coaching guys like Paul Goldschmidt and Nick Ahmed in the infield. So it was easy to start listening to him from the jump.”

In 2024, Arizona’s defense ranked second in Outs Above Average (34), fifth in Defensive Efficacy Ratio (20.2), and seventh in Fielding Run Value (21) in Major League Baseball. Nevertheless, Houston’s defense has struggled. 

The Astros’ defense ranked 20th in Defensive Runs Saved (1), 19 in OAA (-4) and FRV (-2), and 15 in DEF (1.9). Houston hasn’t had multiple infield Gold Glove finalists (excluding utility man Mauricio Dubon) since two-time World Series champion Yuli Gurriel won a Gold Glove at first base, and three-time All-Star Carlos Correa won a Gold and Platinum Glove at shortstop in 2021.

Room to improve for the Astros infield in 2025

Jose Altuve’s defensive metrics haven’t worsened recently. The club icon carried a -6 Fielding Run Value, which is in the 11th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. Furthermore, there’s a possibility the 2015 Gold Glove winner could potentially switch to left field this season.

Jeremy Peña won a Gold Glove in 2022, when he was the first rookie to win the award at shortstop. However, the 2022 World Series MVP committed 19 errors and posted a -2 FRV last season. 

The average major league infielder is a 0 FRV. An above-average infielder holds a positive number, while a negative number determines a below-average infielder.

“I feel confident that both of those guys are tremendous players,” Perezchica said of Altuve and Peña. “I mean (Altuve is a) Hall of Famer to be. Jeremy Peña has won a Gold Glove before in the past. He’s a guy that should always be around winning Gold Gloves because of the athleticism, and the skills he brings to the table.”

Perezchica will look to restore a strength the Astros once had in their infield. He’ll get to work with newly-acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes and reunite with Walker. Perezchica already reached out to one of his infielders before the start of spring training.

“I’m super excited,” Peña said of working with Perezchica. “Tony reached out to me I would say about a month ago, and kind of chopped it up for a little bit on the phone. You can feel his excitement and his energy through the phone. He seems like a coach that has a lot of experience, has a lot of knowledge, and I’m excited to pick his brain.”