The Kansas City Royals have secured their beloved captain and nine-time All-Star catcher Salvador Perez with a new two-year contract extension, ensuring the fan favorite remains with the team through the 2027 season. The announcement comes as the Royals continue to build around their core players following a competitive 2025 season, where they finished with an 82-80 record and narrowly missed the playoffs.
Perez, 35, has been a cornerstone of the Royals franchise since his debut in 2011, earning accolades such as the 2015 World Series MVP, five Gold Glove Awards, and five Silver Slugger Awards. In 2025, he delivered another standout performance, hitting .236 with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, while reaching historic milestones as the eighth primary catcher in MLB history to hit 300 career home runs and surpassing 1,000 career RBIs. His leadership behind the plate and versatility at first base and designated hitter have made him invaluable to the team.
The new deal, which replaces a $13.5 million club option for 2026, is reported to be worth approximately $28 million, aligning with Perez’s market value as projected by Spotrac. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo emphasized Perez’s importance, stating, “Salvy’s leadership and production are critical to our goals. This extension reflects our commitment to keeping him in Kansas City, where he belongs.”
The extension also addresses the Royals’ catching depth, with emerging prospects like Carter Jensen and Blake Mitchell in the pipeline. Perez is expected to share time behind the plate, transitioning to a part-time role at catcher while contributing at first base and DH. This move allows the Royals to balance veteran presence with the development of younger talent.
