Salvador Perez agrees to a two-year contact to remain with the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Catcher Salvador Perez will remain with the Kansas City Royals rather than become a free agent, agreeing Tuesday to a two-year contact.

A nine-time All-Star, the 36-year-old had an $82 million, four-year contract that included a $13.5 million club option for 2026 with a $2 million buyout.

“Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had,” general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “We had the option for next year, but everyone knew we wanted to make sure his legacy with us continued longer than that. We appreciate Salvy’s commitment to the Royals, and we’re just as excited as our fans.”

Perez, Kansas City’s captain, was MVP of the 2015 World Series, when the Royals won their second title and first since 1985.

Perez hit .236 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs, his third season with 100 or more. A five-time Gold Glove winner, he has a .264 average with 303 homers and 1,016 RBIs in 14 seasons, all with the Royals.

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