Cleveland has declined Perez's $7 million option for 2022, making him a free agent, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
The buyout of Perez's contract costs Cleveland $450,000, but it's a price it is willing to pay to avoid paying $7 million to a player who slashed .149/.245/.319 in 44 games. The 32-year-old is a solid defensive catcher and figures to find a new home in free agency, although the poor offensive numbers suggest his days as a starter are over.