Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Salvador Perez, 35-year-old Kansas City Royals catcher, is nursing a sore hip that has limited his catching duties since May 1. He has been serving primarily as designated hitter while the team monitors his condition daily. Manager Matt Quatraro indicated Perez will likely not catch this weekend against Detroit, taking a cautious approach to manage the veteran's physical toll. Perez is struggling offensively in 2026, batting .206 with a .245 OBP and .593 OPS through 36 games with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs. However, he has shown recent improvement with a .295 average (13-for-44) with 2 HRs, 2 doubles, 11 RBIs, and 8 runs in his last 11 games since April 25. Defensively, Perez remains a leader with superior game management and zero passed balls in 17 games, contrasting with rookie replacement Carter Jensen's four passed balls in 20 games.
Strengths
- + Recent offensive improvement (.295 avg in last 11 games)
- + Exceptional defensive leadership and game management
- + Zero passed balls in 17 games behind plate
- + 15 years of MLB experience and veteran presence
- + Still contributing to lineup as DH despite injury
- + Pitching staff prefers working with him over rookie replacement
Weaknesses
- - Sore hip limiting catching duties since May 1
- - Poor overall season batting average (.206)
- - Low on-base percentage (.245) and OPS (.593)
- - Age-related decline at 35 years old
- - Durability concerns going forward
- - Replacement catcher (Jensen) struggling defensively with 4 passed balls and 9 wild pitches in 20 games
- - Likely to miss catching duties this weekend
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Roberto Pérez is a catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
C
Chicago Cubs