Salvador Perez Reaches 300 Home Runs and 1,000 RBIs in Royals Uniform

Royals captain Salvador Perez added his name to another chapter of baseball history this week, becoming just the 12th primary catcher in Major League Baseball history to hit 300 career home runs while also driving in his 1,000th run.

The milestone moment came in vintage Perez fashion: a no-doubt shot into the left-field seats against the Philadelphia Phillies. The ball carried more than just three runs — it carried nearly two decades of grit, leadership, and consistency from one of Kansas City’s most beloved athletes.

“Everything I do is for my team, for the fans, and for my family,” Perez said after the game. “To be part of baseball history is a blessing, but the most important thing is helping us win.”

A Career of Power and Presence

Since debuting in 2011, Perez has become the face of the Royals’ franchise. Known as much for his unshakable leadership behind the plate as for his thunderous swing, he has built a résumé that includes:

• 8 All-Star selections

• 5 Gold Glove Awards

• World Series MVP in 2015, when he helped the Royals capture their first championship in 30 years.

  
  

His latest milestone further solidifies his case as one of the greatest offensive catchers of his era. Only a handful of players at his position — legends like Mike Piazza, Johnny Bench, and Carlton Fisk — have paired that kind of power with durability.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

• 300 Home Runs — A mark reached by fewer than 200 players in MLB history. Perez is among the select few to do so while spending most of his career behind the plate.

• 1,000 RBIs — Proof of his run-producing consistency, especially impressive given the Royals’ offensive struggles in several of his prime seasons.

• Durability — Despite the physical toll of catching, Perez has logged more than 1,400 games at the position.

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The Road Ahead

Perez’s milestone also sparks a looming decision for the Royals’ front office. The veteran is under contract through 2025 with a team option for 2026 worth $13.5 million. At 35 years old, Perez’s defensive skills have begun to fade, but his power bat and influence in the clubhouse remain undeniable.

Whether the Royals keep him into the next phase of their rebuild or transition toward a younger core, Perez’s place in franchise lore is secure. His latest achievement ensures his name will be spoken alongside George Brett, Frank White, and other Royals icons for generations.

A Catcher Who Defined a Franchise

From his trademark “Salvy Splash” celebrations to his tireless work ethic, Salvador Perez embodies the Royals’ identity. Reaching 300 home runs and 1,000 RBIs is not just a statistical feat — it’s a reflection of 14 seasons spent lifting a small-market franchise onto baseball’s biggest stages.

As the crowd at Kauffman Stadium rose in ovation, Perez tipped his helmet toward the stands. Fittingly, the player who has given Kansas City so many unforgettable moments gave them another one to cherish.