There is no question that Salvador Perez is the most representative member of the Kansas City Royals, together with Zack Greinke.
He was a part of that 2014-15 run that resulted in two World Series appearances and one win, and has been with the franchise through thick and thin.
He made his MLB debut in 2011, and has developed somewhat of an ironman reputation because of his durability.
As a result, he is creeping up in the franchise’s rankings for most games played.
“Salvador Perez has now officially played in 1,246 career games, all with Kansas City. That puts him alone in eighth place in #Royals history, passing Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek, and 36 shy of Mike Sweeney in seventh place,” MLB.com’s Anne Rogers tweeted.
Salvador Perez has now officially played in 1,246 career games, all with Kansas City. That puts him alone in eighth place in #Royals history, passing Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek, and 36 shy of Mike Sweeney in seventh place.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) September 22, 2022
Perez Remains A Threat With The Bat
Perez, 32, is not a particularly good defensive catcher at this point of his career, but he remains an asset with the bat at baseball’s most physically demanding position.
In 2022, he is slashing .255/.291/.468 with 22 home runs, 44 runs scored, and 74 RBI while playing on a lousy Royals team.
This comes after his mammoth 2021 campaign in which he hit 48 long-balls to tie for the American League lead, plus 121 RBI.
Perez is a Royals icon, and will be under contract for three more years, plus a club option for 2026.
He was a valued member of the World Series-winning 2015 team, and has been one of the best players on the roster in the dark years, from 2016 to 2022.
He has been a well-above average offensive performer in the last three seasons, and the Royals hope he can be a part of the next competitive team that can fight for a playoffs spot.
