Perez was born in Venezuela in 1990 and signed with the Royals as an international free agent in 2006. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 2011.
In his rookie season, Perez quickly established himself as one of the best young catchers in the game. He hit .331 with 13 home runs and 60 RBI in just 39 games, earning him a spot on the American League All-Star team.
Over the next several years, Perez continued to improve and establish himself as one of the best catchers in the game. He won four Gold Glove awards for his defensive prowess and was named to six All-Star teams.
Perez was also a key player for the Royals during their run of success in the mid-2010s. He played a key role in the team's World Series championship in 2015, hitting .364 with two home runs and eight RBI in the series.
Offensively, Perez is known for his power. He has hit over 20 home runs in a season four times in his career, including a career-high 27 in 2017. He has also driven in over 80 runs in a season three times.
Despite his success, Perez has also dealt with his fair share of injuries. He missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and also missed significant time in 2020 due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Overall, Salvador Perez has established himself as one of the best catchers of his generation. He is a fan favorite in Kansas City and is widely respected throughout the league for his skills and leadership.
⚾