Salvador Perez Biography

Salvador Johan Perez Diaz, born on May 10, 1990, is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball catcher, designated hitter, and first baseman who has played his entire career with the Kansas City Royals. He has earned five Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, and was named World Series Most Valuable Player in 2015 when the Royals claimed the championship. Perez has served as team captain since 2023 and has remained a central figure in the Royals' organization throughout his tenure. From 2021 to 2025, he held the single-season MLB record for most home runs by a primary catcher with 48. He captained Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leading the team to victory in their first WBC championship. On February 27, he signed a five-year contract worth $7 million, including three club options, that extended his team control through 2019. His earnings rose steadily from $750,000 in 2012 to $2 million in 2016, with figures of $1 million in 2013, $1.5 million in 2014, and $1.75 million in 2015.