When Salvador Perez lifted the World Series championship trophy at Kansas City’s Union Station in 2015, it marked the end of a remarkable two-year journey and three-decade wait.
For the first time since winning it all in 1985, the Royals had returned to the peak.
Their long route to the 2015 crown had exciting peaks and depressing depths. Even the agony of the 2014 postseason’s conclusion, a World Series loss to the San Francisco Giants, was swept away in that moment.
Perez flashed his characteristic smile frequently that autumn day as he basked in the admiration of his followers, and he deserved it. Even with prominent free agents like Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas set to go, the Royals may be in for more parades.
For the next nine seasons, however, the playoffs remained out of reach. Perez still wears his characteristic smile, but he’s a jaded 34-year-old MLB veteran. What has remained constant? His desire for the postseason. Returning to October baseball has been his biggest motivator all year.
On Friday evening, nearly a decade after Perez was named MVP of the 2015 World Series, the Royals secured a postseason berth at Truist Park. They will be one of three American League wild-card clubs when the playoffs begin next week. “I’m super-excited and super-excited for them, too,” Perez added, gesturing toward teammates. “… I spoke with these guys well before spring training began. I pleaded, ‘Guys, can you please take me to the playoffs again?'”Honestly, I’m not 24 anymore. If possible, I would like to continue playing until I am 45 years old. “I appreciate this group.”
Perez has already submitted a special 2024 season. He made his sixth All-Star appearance, surpassing 25 home runs and 100 RBIs. Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo discusses the Royals’ return to the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2015. By Jaylon Thompson. Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. were key contributors to the Royals’ offense this season. Perez also provided valuable leadership in the dugout and clubhouse throughout the season.
He helped the Royals overcome two seven-game losing streaks in recent weeks, as well as a 9-11 record over a difficult 20-game span against top-tier opponents. Perez has provided a calming voice throughout the process. He quickly adopted Royals manager Matt Quatraro’s “Today” mantra, which helped younger teammates stay motivated while the Royals lost a franchise-record 106 games in 2023. “He told us last year, ‘I want to be in another playoff with the Royals,'” infielder Maikel Garcia said. “Now he is living his dream.” How does Perez do it – help people stay focused during difficult times? Along with throwing punches at (and behind) the plate, he’s simply his cheerful self.
Teammates respect Perez’s candor, and they’ve rallied around the cause of getting him back to playing October baseball. “That was a special target goal for us all offseason,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro explained. “It was to get him back to where he rightfully belongs and for what he means to the city of Kansas City.”
The Royals’ owner, John Sherman, agreed. He helped put together this exceptional group and is eternally grateful for Perez’s services to the organization. “I don’t even know what to say,” Sherman admitted. “It’s really awesome to get him back and I’m really happy for our young guys, too.” The Royals are exactly where they want to be. For Perez, the playoffs signify a new season that he feels will lead to even more success — the type that can be sustained with care in the years ahead. “We just want to win,” Perez stated. “And now I think we are going to, going forward.”
