US EditionRoyals' Salvador Perez Expected to Return in 2026, Team Eyes Playoff Comeback Following 82-80 Finish
The Royals aim to rebound from an 82-80 season and missed playoffs with Perez’s return, who hit 30 homers and 100 RBIs despite a .236 average last year.
- The Kansas City Royals finished 82-80 this season, failing to reach the postseason after their 2024 playoff appearance, with Picollo saying most staff will return and Perez expected back in '26.
- The Royals were in contention until last week, but a rotation ransacked by injuries—including Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic—and James McArthur’s missed season limited depth and stability.
- Relief ace Carlos Estévez led the majors with 42 saves and remains under contract, while rookie Noah Cameron posted a 9-7 record with a 2.99 ERA, solidifying rotation hopes.
- The front office has already started discussions as general manager J.J. Picollo said most of the coaching staff will return and the club holds a $13.5 million club option on Salvador Perez.
- The Royals expect to have nine-time All-Star catcher Salvador Perez back next season, whose 30 homers and 100 RBIs offer a veteran boost as the club eyes a playoff comeback.
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Royals expect captain Perez, 35, back in 2026
The Kansas City Royals, a club that finished 82-80 to post its second straight winning season, expect to have nine-time All-Star catcher Salvador Perez, their 35-year-old captain, back next season as it seeks a return trip to the American League playoffs.
Associated Press News
Royals' Salvador Perez expected to return in 2026, team eyes playoff comeback following 82-80 finish
The Kansas City Royals expect nine-time All-Star catcher Salvador Perez to return next season. They aim to make the playoffs again after missing out this year.
GM: Salvador Perez Will Return To Royals In 2026
The Royals expect to retain longtime catcher and team captain Salvador Perez for the 2026 season. “I think it’s safe to say that one way or another, Salvy will be in a Royals uniform in ‘26,” general manager J.J. Picollo told reporters (including Jaylon Thompson of The Kansas City Star). “What we do beyond that is still to be determined. But there are some things that we still need to work through and talk about.” The simplest path would be for …
The Royals of Kansas City expect to count next season with the Venezuelan Salvador Pérez, recipient nine times chosen to the Game of Stars.
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