The Road To 318: How Salvador Perez Became The Royals' Home Run King

[Philip Ruo]

Image courtesy of IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For over three decades, George Brett stood alone atop the Royals’ all-time home run leaderboard. On Saturday, the crown was claimed by Salvador Perez when he launched the 318th home run of his career to become the franchise’s new home run leader.

Comparing Perez’s and Brett’s careers head-to-head is nearly an impossible task. Brett is undoubtedly one of the greatest third basemen of all time, while Perez is a vastly different player who built his legacy as a consistent presence behind the plate. Still, it is interesting to compare how their career numbers stack up in their routes to the same metric.

Brett was not particularly known for his home run swing, so it was impressive for him to keep this record for as long as he did. Many losing seasons and a stadium that suppressed homers probably also had a lot to do with it.

Perez’s path to the Royals home run crown was done in 900 fewer games and around 4,300 fewer plate appearances. It was an impressive feat from a position that usually requires some sort of scheduled rest. This season, he has even ceded the lion’s share of the starts behind the plate to rookie Carter Jensen. With his career winding down, though still with one more year on his contract, it is worth looking at key milestones along Perez’s home run journey.

No. 1 | August 8, 2011 vs Max Scherzer | Comerica Park

Perez swung at a 2-2 94mph fastball from Scherzer and sent it over the left-center wall at Comerica Park. At just 21 years old, Perez would have many more where that came from.

No. 100 | June 10, 2017 vs Brad Hand | Petco Park

It's a home run party in San Diego. #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/gqjSQurADZ

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 11, 2017

By now, Perez is a veteran in his seventh season with the Royals. With an 0-1 count, Perez sent another ball over the fence in deep left-center. Eric Hosmer had hit a home run right before him, and Perez’s homer put the Royals in the lead 6-5 in the top of the eighth inning, which was the event that opened the floodgates in an eventual 12-6 victory.

At this point in his career, Perez had become one of the best and most consistent catchers in baseball. Entering 2017, Perez had earned four straight All-Star Game selections and Gold Gloves. His power had not quite yet rounded out with 21 home runs per season and a career OPS+ of 96 at the time.

No. 200 | September 29, 2021 vs Zach Plesac | Kauffman Stadium

He didn't wait long for No. 48!#TogetherRoyal pic.twitter.com/FRDKtJjdO6

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 30, 2021

Finally, a milestone homer at home. 2021 represented the season where Perez was looked at as a power hitter. Before this season, Perez had peaked at only 27 home runs. In 2021, Perez found himself in a couple of home run chases, giving the Royals reason to celebrate after signing Perez to a contract extension for $82 million over four years, a franchise record before Bobby Witt Jr. shattered it a few seasons later, and awarding him the captain “C” on his jersey.

Perez was chasing Royals history to become the single-season Royals home run leader. The mark of 48 was set just two seasons earlier by Jorge Soler. Perez was also battling Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the Major League title that season. By the end of the season, Perez would end up tied with both Soler and Guerrero and share both titles. That 200th milestone home run ended up also being the 48th that sealed the tie for the respective season records.

No. 300 | September 13, 2025 vs Taijuan Walker | Citizens Bank Park

1 swing ? 2 big milestones.

Salvy collects his 300th homer and 1,000th RBI! pic.twitter.com/HPADOjnGxH

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 13, 2025

This game saw two home runs from Perez, the second of which solidified two milestones for Perez: 300 home runs and 1,000 RBIs. Though the homer gave the Royals a 4-2 lead in the third inning, Kansas City would ultimately fall to the Phillies 8-6. This milestone helped Perez finish his 2025 season by eclipsing 30 home runs for the second time in his career. 

300 home runs is a key milestone for catchers. Perez became only the eighth catcher in MLB history to reach this milestone, all but one of whom have been enshrined in Cooperstown. While there are other aspects that contribute to a catcher’s legacy and production, this milestone put Perez in elite company.

Perez was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, though there was very little doubt at the time that he would return to Kansas City. After signing a two-year contract before the 2026 season, the Royals hoped to squeeze every little bit of output Perez had left.

No. 318 | July 25, 2026 vs Kyle Finnegan | Comerica Park

Your new Royals home run king! ? https://t.co/W1JFNTZowy pic.twitter.com/r2YQTCjQl4

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 25, 2026

Right where it all began with a deep drive to left field at Comerica Park, Perez stands alone at the top of the Royals leaderboard above the legendary George Brett. 2026 has been another disappointment in a season where the Royals cannot find a winning groove, but moments like this for a Royals legend like Perez are a reminder that even during frustrating seasons, there are still opportunities to find joy and witness unforgettable moments.

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