The Royals locked up their future in Witt but may be stuck in the past with Perez.
Best Contract: Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (11 years, $288.7 million)
On the surface, Witt’s contract looks expensive. It is the largest guaranteed deal in Kansas City Royals franchise history, with three additional team-option years worth $89 million that could extend it even further. Yet the timing of the agreement proved critical. The deal was signed just before Witt’s breakout in 2024, when he finished runner-up in American League MVP voting. Since then, he has solidified himself as a top player in baseball, following up with another stellar campaign in 2025.
At just 25 years old, Witt posted a .295 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, .852 OPS, 23 home runs and 88 RBIs across 157 games last season. Those numbers underscore that he is entering his prime and showing no signs of slowing down as a two-time All-Star. His game is remarkably sustainable, combining elite speed on the basepaths, strong defense at shortstop and consistent production at the plate. Few players in the league can match his all-around impact.
When compared to other massive contracts handed out to MLB superstars, Witt’s deal looks like a bargain. Juan Soto signed for $765 million, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. landed $500 million and free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker is expected to surpass $300 million this winter. Witt not only stacks up against those names, he has already proven to be more complete than many of them.
Worst Contract: Catcher Salvador Perez (Two years, $25 million)
Perez is without a doubt a franchise legend for the Royals and one of the best players ever to suit up for the organization. He helped deliver a World Series title in 2025, taking home MVP honors in that Fall Classic, and has spent his entire 14-year career in Kansas City. However, Perez is now a 35-year-old veteran with his best days clearly behind him. The Royals remain on the books for $12.5 million annually, which is not an overwhelming figure, but for the player he is now it feels more like they are paying for past accomplishments rather than future production.
In 2025, Perez posted a .236 batting average, .284 on-base percentage, .729 OPS, 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. While the power remains, his overall offensive profile has declined steadily year after year. Defensively, he is also limiting roster flexibility, occupying both the catcher and designated hitter roles at a time when Kansas City has a talented prospect in Carter Jensen who appeared ready to step into that spot.
Perez’s legacy in Kansas City is secure, but the contract reflects sentiment more than performance.