Salvador Perez, 35, signs a two-year extension to finish his career with the Kansas City Royals.

Salvador Perez, the veteran and sole remaining member from the Royals' 2015 championship team, agreed on a two-year contract extension with Kansas City on the 5th, securing at least 17 seasons with the club.

Under his original four-year, $82 million deal, the Royals held a $13.5 million team option for 2026 with a $2 million buyout. Although the option was not exercised, the two-year extension demonstrates the team's commitment.

The precise details of the new contract have not been fully disclosed, but media reports indicate the two-year guaranteed deal is worth $25 million, including some deferred payment clauses.

Royals President of Baseball Operations and GM J.J. Picollo stated in an official release: "Salvador is a legend of the Royals and one of the most important players in our history. We originally had a team option for next year, but everyone wanted to ensure his legacy continues. We appreciate Salvador’s loyalty to the Royals and share the excitement with our fans at this moment."

Now 35 years old and from Venezuela, Perez signed with the Royals at age 16 in 2006, debuted in the majors at 21 in 2011, and has been the team's primary starting catcher since 2013. He helped lead them to the 2015 World Series title and has been selected to 9 All-Star games, earned 5 Silver Slugger Awards, 5 Gold Gloves, and received honors such as the 2015 World Series MVP and the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, cementing his future induction into the Royals Hall of Fame.

Perez and Ivan Rodriguez are the only two catchers in MLB history to have won at least five Silver Slugger and five Gold Glove awards during their careers.

In the 2025 season, Perez reached 100 RBIs, becoming the second catcher since 1987 to record at least 100 RBIs in a single season at age 35 or older.

Perez also hit career milestones in 2025 by reaching 300 home runs and 1000 RBIs, making him the eighth catcher in MLB history to hit 300 homers and the fifteenth to reach 1000 RBIs.

Over his 14-season career, Perez ranks among the Royals’ all-time leaders: second in home runs (303) and RBIs (1016), third in total bases (634), sixth in hits (1712), and seventh in games played (1707). He is poised to surpass franchise legend George Brett’s 317 home runs to become the Royals’ all-time home run leader.