Kansas City Royals overvaluing Salvador Perez makes sense
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals have an intriguing asset in Salvador Perez. However, they have a higher value on their catcher than anyone else.
This offseason promises to be an interesting time for teams in the market for a catcher. Yan Gomes has already been traded from the Cleveland Indians, bringing back intriguing outfield prospect Daniel Johnson and pitcher Jefry Rodriguez. J.T. Realmuto is constantly in rumors, although the Marlins have not displayed an inclination to move the disgruntled backstop. Wilson Ramos and Yasmani Grandal are the top options in free agency, but will likely fetch a hefty price tag in free agency.
As such, finding a long term, cost controlled option behind the plate is an extremely valuable commodity. The Kansas City Royals have exactly that in Salvador Perez, who is under team control for the next three seasons at a total of $39.6 million. Understandably, teams are reaching out to gauge the Royals interest in trading Perez.
However, it is, at best, unlikely that Perez will be traded. According to Rustin Dodd at The Athletic, the Royals have attached such a high price tag on their catcher that it may be impossible for any team to actually meet their demands. At this point, it appears that the Royals are overvaluing Perez compared to what the market would bear.
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It is, in some way, understandable as to why the Royals would have such a high value on Perez. He is the undeniable face of the franchise, a beloved fan favorite. Perez has also been a stellar defensive catcher in his career, a five time Gold Glove winner who has saved 60 runs behind the plate and has been able to essentially shut down the opposition’s running game on his own.
For all of his defensive excellence, Perez has had his struggles at the plate. He has not had an on base percentage over .300 since 2013. Over his career, Perez has produced a .266/.297/.442 batting line, hitting 141 homers and 177 doubles. He has either matched or increased his home run total every year he has been in the majors, although he has struggled with plate discipline.
In the end, his value extends beyond his production. Perez is more than the Royals starting catcher; he is their leader, one of the last remaining links to the Royals World Series appearances. In theory, he will be behind the plate once the Royals are contenders once again. Based on the Royals asking price, Perez will not be going anywhere.
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The Kansas City Royals may well be overvaluing Salvador Perez. But in the end, that may be for the best anyway.