Salvador Perez guides Royals on playoff chase
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Lorenzo Delgado, Contributor
- September 9, 2024
Salvador Perez leading the Royals to their first postseason since 2015
HOUSTON – Before the start of this season, Salvador Perez and the Royals were projected to win 73 games. Fangraphs predicted that the Royals had a 5.9 percent chance to win the American League Central, and a 12.5 percent chance to make the postseason.
So far, the Royals have defeated the odds. They are in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years. They currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the AL with a 77-65 record.
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Perez, 34, is the only member of the Royals’ active roster to have played in the franchise’s last postseason game when the Royals won the 2015 Fall Classic. The 2015 World Series MVP believes this team has the grit to bring postseason baseball back to The K.
“We have some young guys that love to play and love coming to the ballpark,” Perez said. “They do their work, get ready for the game, and play really hard. I’m just trying to help this team go back to the playoffs again.”
Royals Capitan
Salvador Perez was appointed as the team’s captain in the beginning of the 2023 season. The 13-year veteran catcher became the fourth Royal to wear the captain’s “C” on his chest. He joins Frank White (1989-1990), George Brett (1989-1993) and Mike Sweeney (2003-2007) to earn that honor.
“Everything has that kind of opportunity to work for that C,” he said. “You know to get captain on a big league team you know it means a lot. I just take time to take care of my guys. I love these guys like my family. It feels really good.”
The four-time Silver Slugger has played through the disappointment of 100-loss seasons and the joy of lifting the franchise’s second Commissioner’s Trophy. Perez appeared in his ninth All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington this summer.
The native of Valencia, Venezuela, brings a veteran presence to a young and developing club. Astros bench coach Omar Lopez managed Perez in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Team Venezuela. Lopez knew his leadership would propel and help his team reach the WBC quarterfinals.
“He’s the type of guy that pushes everybody,” Lopez said of Perez. “Everyday he’s always willing to play hard, prepare himself the best way he could on and off the field. That’ll translate to the young guys.
“What Salvy brings to any clubhouse or the team is energy. He’s always moving forward, playing to win, and playing hard.”
Nurturing a new leader
Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. signed an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension before the 2024 season. The Royals believe Witt Jr. is the future of their team and an important cornerstone of their organization. Recently, the first-time All-Star became the first Royal to hit 30 home runs in back-to-back seasons.
Perez will become a free agent at the age of 36 in 2026. Nonetheless, Salvy is a great mentor to start Witt’s career.
Perez will eventually pass the leadership torch to Witt, but Perez’s legacy is secure.
“He’s amazing,” Witt said of the five-time Gold Glover. “He’s the same guy everyday, just an unbelievable teammate, future Hall of Famer. It’s just really special to be able to share the same field with him.
“If anyone needs something, he’s always there.”
Lorenzo Delgado
Contributor
Lorenzo Delgado graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and is currently attending the University of Houston to earn his master’s degree. Lorenzo was formerly a contributing baseball writer for Call to the Pen on the Fansided Network. He is the host of an Astros baseball podcast called Full Seam Ahead, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and wherever podcasts are found.
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