Catcher

Perez remaining in Kansas City comes as no surprise. A beloved figure locally for his performance and work in the community, he is regarded as a potential Hall of Famer and the second-best player in franchise history behind George Brett.

Over his career, Perez is hitting .264/.301/.457 with 1,016 RBIs, which ranks 15th all time among primary catchers.

At the time Perez signed his four-year, $82 million contract extension in March 2021, it was the largest in Royals history, since surpassed by the 11-year deal inked by franchise shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

The Royals finished 82-80 last season after a surprise playoff run in 2024, their first postseason appearance since the World Series win.

Along with Perez and Witt, the Royals return Gold Glove third baseman Maikel Garcia, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and a pair of young sluggers in Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen.

Kansas City’s rotation depth is its hallmark, with ace Cole Ragans and All-Star Kris Bubic alongside Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, standout rookie Noah Cameron and a pair of young right-handers in Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, who were acquired at the deadline for catcher Freddy Fermin.