Martin Pérez hasn’t been shy about his confidence in the White Sox since signing a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.

He proclaimed that the roster has what it takes to compete during Spring Training, then later doubled down four games into the regular season, saying the White Sox were “going to be contenders” even though people don’t believe in them.

Flash forward 127 into the season, and things haven’t quite panned out as Pérez envisioned. The White Sox sit 36 games under .500, and the veteran left-hander missed a large portion of the season after being placed on the 60-day IL just five starts into the season. But the lack of success hasn’t deterred Pérez, who says he still wants to be a part of the team’s future.

On Wednesday, the 33-year-old southpaw made his second appearance since returning from injury, and his first start since coming off the IL. Like he has done for much of the season, he gave the White Sox a chance to win, holding the Braves to one run on three hits while striking out five over 5.1 innings. Following the game, he told reporters he hopes to stick around next season.

“They know already. I think next year’s going to be a good year for this organization, and if they give me the chance, I want to be part of the good years,” Pérez said.

Pérez is set to hit free agency this offseason and is looking to prove that he is healthy before hitting the open market. In a limited sample size, he has proven that he can still be an effective pitcher, posting a 2.54 ERA in 28.1 innings while producing a career-high 22.1% strikeout rate. However, the numbers are slightly misleading. Pérez’s expected ERA sits at 5.20, with opponents owning a .265 expected batting average against him.

Regardless, there is certainly a case to be made for the White Sox to bring Pérez back into the fold. While the White Sox have plenty of young arms in the organization, there are a handful of question marks. Sean Burke and Jonathan Cannon were optioned to Triple-A, Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush are working their way back from injury, and former first-round pick Hagen Smith has struggled with command in the minor leagues.

Pérez brings a steady veteran presence shaped by winning environments. He earned an All-Star nod in 2022 with a 2.89 ERA, then added a World Series ring with the Texas Rangers in 2023. Over 13 big-league seasons, he’s posted a 4.44 ERA and a 14.5 WAR, experience that holds particular value for a young pitching staff like Chicago’s.

In the end, it will come down to the price tag. His extended injury stint might make it more difficult for Pérez to find a contract more than the $5 million deal he inked with the White Sox. But if he continues to be an effective starter the rest of the season, he could pop up on several other teams’ radars.