Catchers (4):
Cam Gallagher
2021 stats: 124 PA, 48 G, 1 HR, .250/.298/.330, 71 wRC+, 0.5 fWAR
2022 FGDC projections: 96 PA, 24 G, .248/.306/.363, 83 wRC+, 0.4 fWAR
The Cam Gallagher era in Kansas City may be nearing an end with the impending promotion of MJ Melendez. Gallagher is a highly-regarded defensive catcher but does not offer much with the bat. His role will continue to be a rarely-used backup catcher to Salvador Perez.
MJ Melendez
2021 stats (in AA/AAA): 531 PA, 123 G, 41 HR, .288/.386/.625, 162 wRC+
2022 FGDC projections: 119 PA, 29 G, 6 HR, .250/.319/.468, 111 wRC+, 0.6 fWAR
It is next to impossible to not be excited for the emergence of MJ Melendez at the Major League level. Not only did he put up an otherworldly performance in the minor leagues last year on offense, but he shined on defense as well, throwing out 31 percent of would-be base-stealers. He is most definitely the catcher of the future for the Royals and should get his first Major League look in 2022.
Salvador Perez
2021 stats: 665 PA, 161 G, 48 HR, .273/.316/.544, 127 wRC+, 3.4 fWAR
2022 FGDC projections: 601 PA, 149 G, 36 HR, .260/.301/.499, 111 wRC+, 2.7 fWAR
At 31 years of age, Salvador Perez defied the odds and had a career year in 2021 after he appeared to be in a rapid decline. Perez posted career-highs in almost every single offensive category including, most notably, games played. He only missed one game all season, finally overcoming the injury bug and hitting 48 home runs along the way.
Sebastian Rivero
2021 stats: 44 PA, 17 G, 0 HR, .175/.250/.225, 33 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR
2022 FGDC projections: 13 PA, 3 G, 0 HR, .221/.273/.333, 63 wRC+, 0.0 fWAR
Sebastian Rivero, 23, saw his first action in the big leagues last season, posting poor results. On offense, Rivero is a poor hitter but on the defensive side of things, he has looked great throughout his minor league career. In 2019, Rivero threw out a whopping 41 percent of attempted base stealers. He is fourth on the Royals’ overall depth chart at catcher and does not appear to have any sort of solid role lined up in the team’s future.