Salvador Perez has the respect of his Royals teammates.
The Kansas City Royals had a double-header on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers. They lost the first game 5-2, but earned an 8-2 win in the second contest. Veteran catcher Salvador Perez crushed a big home run in the Game 2 win. After the contest, Perez's teammate, Isaac Collins, made an admission about the Royals leader, via Anne Rogers of MLB.com.
"He’s the leader of this team. We follow him," Collins said of Perez. "For him to break the ice a little bit, take the lead, and then we kind of just poured it on after that."
The Royals now hold a 4-4 overall record. They are in second place in the American League Central division. It has been an up and down start to the new campaign, but this Kansas City ball club has the potential to become a true contender.
Perez has had a difficult start to the season. Saturday's home run was a reminder that he is more than capable of coming through at any given moment. He is the leader of the team as well, and he clearly has the respect of his teammates.
Salvador Perez's Undeniable Leadership
Perez, 35, made his MLB debut in 2011 with the Royals and has played with Kansas City ever since. Many stars over the years who have started their careers with small-market teams have often ended up signing with big-market ball clubs down the road. Perez surely could have ended up elsewhere if he wanted, but he has continued to play with the Royals.
He is a fan-favorite. He also seems to be quite respected by his teammates. Perez's performance has been consistent as well.
He is a power-hitting catcher who gives everything he has every single season. In 2025, Perez hit 30 home runs and recorded 100 RBI. There are not many catchers who can provide that kind of offensive production.
He is also a player who steps up in the big moments. If the Royals need a big hit, Perez can come through. If they need a clutch defensive play, Perez is ready for the moment behind the plate.
The Royals' young core of players led by Bobby Witt Jr. understandably receives plenty of attention. However, Salvador Perez's leadership is extremely valuable as well. He will continue to play a crucial role in the Royals' success throughout the 2026 MLB season.
The Royals and Brewers will play once again in Kansas City on Sunday afternoon at 2:10 PM EST.