The Captain, the man who will probably be getting a statue at Kauffman when it’s all said and done, Salvador Perez, had a solid 2025 season.
With Father Time seemingly being undefeated (look at Travis Kelce, if you indulge in a Chiefs reference), many wondered if Salvy could return to the gaudy numbers he put up in 2024. Perez hit .271, 28 doubles, 27 home runs, 104 runs batted in, walked a career high 44 times, and posted a 2.5 WAR.
It’s fair to say that Salvy did some historical things in 2025, hitting his 300th career homer and driving in his 1,000th career RBI in the same swing. However, Salvy’s numbers for the season overall weren’t great. He batted just .236, almost 30 points lower than his career average. He hit 35 doubles (career high), 30 homers, drove in exactly 100 runs, but only posted a 0.4 WAR.
While Perez had the historical moments, passing franchise records or achieving personal career milestones, he took his lumps at the plate. After Freddy Fermin was traded to San Diego, Perez had to catch almost every day, and his numbers at the plate severely declined. Hopefully, the late-season emergence of Carter Jensen allows for Salvy to play more 1st base and DH next season, where he can be more productive at the plate more consistently.
Overall, in my personal opinion, I think Salvador Perez had a solid year. He did about what you expect out of your catcher, a power hitter that isn’t going to have the best average. He was awesome behind the plate this season, having one of his better defensive seasons in a while. I hope and expect Salvy to be better next year. Let’s hope the Captain can help lead the troops back into October baseball next season, and he can shine bright in the biggest moments.