Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Salvador Perez, 36-year-old Royals captain, has returned to catching duties after dealing with hip soreness since May 1. He has been primarily serving as DH while recovering, playing in all but one game. Perez is returning to his catching role on a day-to-day basis as the team monitors his hip condition. Despite offensive struggles with a .191-.197 batting average and -0.8 fWAR, Perez remains a defensive asset with zero passed balls in 17 games and continues to provide veteran leadership and game-planning expertise. Rookie Carter Jensen has struggled defensively with 4 passed balls and 9 wild pitches in 20 games, highlighting Perez's value behind the plate.
Strengths
- + Exceptional defensive skills with zero passed balls in 17 games
- + 15 years of catching experience and game-planning expertise
- + Strong veteran leadership both on field and in dugout
- + Vocal presence encouraging teammates
- + Recently hit 6th home run of season
- + Maintains everyday presence in lineup despite injury
- + Superior to rookie replacement Jensen defensively
Weaknesses
- - Significant offensive decline with .191-.197 batting average
- - Extremely low .555 OPS through 40 games
- - Negative WAR (-0.8 fWAR) among worst in league
- - Age-related regression at 36 years old
- - Elevated infield flyball rate (17.3%, career high)
- - High pop-up rate (10.3%)
- - Low zone% (41.7%) due to reputation as free swinger
- - Recent hitless streaks (0-for-13 in 4 games at one point)
- - Hip soreness limiting catching availability
- - Declining contact rates and increased whiff rates
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Salvador Perez is a catcher for the Kansas City Royals.
Player Overview
C
Kansas City Royals
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