All-Star catcher Salvador Perez will continue suiting up for Kansas City Royals for years to come. Perez inked a new four-year extension with the organization that will keep him in Kansas City through the 2025 MLB season at least.
Perez, who was set to become a free agent after this season, will reportedly earn $82 million with his new deal. The agreement includes $80 million in salaries and a $2 million buyout in 2026 if the Royals decline their $13.5 million club option.
If these numbers turn out to be right, Perez’s contract would be the largest in franchise history. The previous record was held by outfielder Alex Gordon and his four-year, $72 million deal from 2016.
By earning $20.5 million on a yearly average, Perez also became the third-highest paid catcher in MLB history. He now only trails the five-year, $115.5 million contract that JT Realmuto signed with Philadelphia Phillies in January and Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184 million extension with Minnesota Twins.
Salvador Perez was given his MLB debut in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the best catchers in the game. He earned six consecutive All-Star nods since 2013 while also earning five Golden Glove and three Silver Slugger Awards.
Perez missed the 2019 MLB season due to a Tommy John surgery but bounced back with an impressive showing in 2020. He finished the campaign with a .333 batting average, 11 home runs, and 32 RBIs while being named AL Comeback Player of the Year and selected into All-MLB First Team.
