Salvador Perez, a nine-time All-Star, is entering his age-36 season with the Kansas City Royals, coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he hit 30 homers and drove in 100 runs. Last season, he showcased his defensive prowess by throwing out 43.8% of runners who tested his arm, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top catchers.
In 2025, Perez posted a slash line of .236/.284/.446, which, while not stellar, still contributed significantly to the Royals’ offense. His five Gold Gloves highlight his defensive skills, although concerns have arisen regarding his framing and pitch-blocking abilities as he ages.
As Perez prepares for the upcoming season, he will likely see more time at first base and designated hitter, roles he is not accustomed to but may need to embrace to prolong his career. This transition comes as the Royals look to integrate their top prospect, Carter Jensen, who is viewed as the heir apparent to Perez behind the plate.
Jensen had an impressive season last year, slashing .290/.377/.501 with 20 homers and 76 RBIs over 111 games. His performance peaked in September, where he recorded a 20-game line of .300/.391/.550 with a 159 wRC+, indicating his potential to be a significant contributor to the team.
Expectations are high for both Perez and Jensen this season, with observers noting that Jensen could make even more strides under Perez’s guidance. Manager Matt Quatraro, a former catcher himself, has expressed confidence in both players, stating, “There’s a lot about his catchers for manager Matt Quatraro to like.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the duo, the Royals’ overall performance remains a concern. Last year, the team ranked 18th in fWAR out of 30 teams, and projections for this year suggest they will maintain that position.
In the event of injuries, the Royals have options, including Luca Tresh, who can be called up from Omaha if needed. This depth could prove crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the season.
As Salvador Perez continues to adapt to his evolving role, the Royals and their fans will be watching closely to see how he balances his contributions with the emergence of Carter Jensen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact plans for their playing time, but the team’s strategy will undoubtedly focus on maximizing their talents.
