The Kansas City Royals fully intend to have their captain back next season.
On Tuesday, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo announced longtime catcher Salvador Perez will remain with the club for the 2026 campaign. Perez, 35, holds a $13.5 million club option that will either be picked up or worked into a new deal.
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“I think it’s safe to say that one way or another, Salvy will be in a Royals uniform in ‘26,” Picollo said. “What we do beyond that is still to be determined. But there are some things that we still need to work through and talk about.”
Perez shook off a slow start to produce a standout year. He posted 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for only the second time in his 14-year career. It was also his third MLB season with 100-plus RBIs.
The Royals relied on Perez down the stretch. As he chased history — Perez became the eighth primary catcher with 300-or-more career home runs — he also fueled a late push toward the postseason.
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Perez hit seven home runs with 23 RBIs in September. The output matched Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts for the most RBIs in the majors.
“It’s pretty good,” Perez said recently of his season. “You know, I think any player in the big leagues wants to reach 100 RBIs. It’s one of the goals when the season starts. So yeah, I feel good, but would feel better if we made it to the playoffs.”
The Royals understand Perez’s value in the clubhouse. He is often the sounding board for young players. He helped mentor upstart pitchers and debuting rookies such as top catching prospect Carter Jensen.
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Jensen will compete for a roster spot in spring training. He is the likely heir apparent at the catching position and could give Perez more opportunities to DH or play first base alongside Vinnie Pasquantino.
“There’s a lot of positives with Carter and certainly he has a bright future,” Picollo said.
Perez has a strong Hall of Fame résumé. He is a nine-time All-Star and has multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. He also helped the Royals to consecutive World Series, including being named World Series MVP in 2015.
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Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at Rate Field on Aug 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The Royals are hopeful Perez finishes his career in Kansas City. The club looks at Perez as the unquestioned voice in the clubhouse each night. His lovable joy and demeanor are the heartbeat of the organization.
Perez has a chance to make additional Royals history in 2026. He is 15 home runs shy of becoming the franchise leader in that category. George Brett holds the club record with 317 career homers.
Additionally, Perez could potentially make his 10th All-Star team next year. He would be the 14th MLB catcher to reach the milestone and first since Yadier Molina in 2021.
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“He just continues to do things other people can’t do at his age or at his position,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And, you know, it’s another thing for us to be proud to be able to be a part of and watch what he does for this organization and this city.”