The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday evening that they signed catcher Salvador Perez to a new two-year deal, retaining the team captain through the 2027 season. MLB.com’s Anne Rogers had the contract
breakdown.
This deal may ensure the 35-year-old catcher remains a Royal for life.
“Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager J.J. Picollo. “We had the option for next year, but everyone knew we wanted to make sure his legacy with us continued longer than that. We appreciate Salvy’s commitment to the Royals, and we’re just as excited as our fans.”
Rogers looked at the Royals’ infield picture, specifically what this offseason could mean for second base.
India and Massey are two of the Royals’ 15 arbitration-eligible players this offseason. Massey is first-time eligible and is likely to return, but India is a more interesting case. This is his third and final year of arbitration, and he’ll get a raise from the $7 million he made in 2025 — not a crazy number, but probably out of range for a bench player if he can’t get back to the hitter he was with the Reds. India also offers little versatility and really struggled defensively with -6 outs above average at second base in ‘25.
The Royals view the outfield as their most dire need for improvement, and it’s where they’ll focus their energy this offseason. If they’re able to find better and more reliable production in the outfield, they could be more patient with Massey and India at second base. It’s not hard to see how both could lengthen the Royals’ lineup if they return to form: India as an on-base machine and Massey making better contact while staying on the field. But it also wouldn’t be surprising to see the Royals at least scan the second-base market this winter.
Jon Heyman announced the Royals placed former Atlanta Braves pitcher Kyle Wright on outright waivers Tuesday. After two seasons in Kansas City’s organization, Wright moves on without a major-league appearance.
The Chicago White Sox hired Zach Bove as their new major league pitching coach after three seasons in Kansas City.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield names Kansas City as a possible fit for free agent infielder Bo Bichette.
OK, can the Royals realistically afford to sign Bichette? Probably not, but a double-play combination of Bobby Witt Jr. and Bichette would be a lot of fun, and Bichette’s style of hitting would be a good fit for that park. Royals second basemen hit just .236 with 11 home runs, and we know the lineup needs something else. The Royals aren’t the Pittsburgh Pirates or Tampa Bay Rays. They will spend some money — although there isn’t much wiggle room based on the 2025 payroll — and there is a contention window right now with their current rotation.
Have an opinion on where the Royals could call home? The team is looking for fans’ input.
Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone announced he will play for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino returned to James River High School for a baseball camp, helping more than 300 players.
The slugger also weighed in on the financial state of baseball, specifically a possible salary cap.
“As far as competitive balance goes I’m with (you) on deferred contracts being an issue,” Pasquantino wrote. “As a player though it makes a lot of sense, especially tax wise if you’re in California or a high income tax state because on the deferrals you get paid where you live.” Pasquantino then answered another fan who talked about the World Series teams being in the top five in salary. “You can try to do this all you want and I understand what you’re doing,” Pasquantino wrote. “However it’s not as simple as a cap. There’s a lot more at work here than that. There’s a reason we push back on it so much. I appreciate your input and thoughts on it, but we’re not dumb and we hire very smart people to represent us in negotiations. We’re not pushing back against this simply for fun.”
CBS Sports ranks the game’s top 25 trade candidates this offseason.
What happens after Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs part ways?
Outfielder Cody Bellinger opts out of his deal with the New York Yankees.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neil opts in for two more seasons with the AL East club.
Boston Red Sox infielder Trevor Story opts in to remain with the Red Sox for two more seasons.
MLB.com ranks the 2025 rookie class on long-term value.
Jim Callis looks at who could have a Trey Yesavage-like rise in 2026.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans and players bask in World Series glory with their championship parade.
San Diego Padres veteran starter Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 season following UCL brace surgery.
Boston agrees to a one-year contract with outfielder Jarren Duran.
The New York Jets make a pair of blockbuster trades, moving on from cornerback Sauce Gardner and star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
How is the NFL looking to grow women fans?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are steamrolling the competition to start the 2025 season.
Deion Sanders to start true freshman Julian Lewis at quarterback amidst Colorado’s slide.
Performer Red Panda set for NBA return after four-month recovery from broken wrist.
What a grand slam: Denny’s sold for $620 million by private investors.
Learn about Wednesday’s super moon, the second of three such moons this year.
BALCO founder Victor Conte died at 75, according to a company social media post.
Today’s song of the day is Dean Johnson with Faraway Skies.
