Royals star Salvador Perez may think it's time to leave Kansas this season — that is, if he wants to chase another ring.
Two things are certain about Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez's career: he isn't getting any younger, and he isn't going to win anything in Kansas in 2023.
Perez, an eight-time All-Star, has spent his entire career on the Royals and compiled an impressive resume in the last decade and counting: Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger, World Series MVP, and this year, team captain. The captain of a sinking ship, but a respected and revered captain, nonetheless.
As the best player on a pitiful Royals team with 15 homers and 40 RBIs, Perez has turned into a popular trade rumor candidate — assuming he wants to compete for another ring.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, sources suggest Perez might consider waiving his veto rights to be traded to a contender. Heyman noted that the Marlins, Padres and Astros seem like potential fits, all teams that could use a boost at the catcher position.
The 33-year-old has the power to veto any trade the Royals propose, and waiving that right would imply Perez is hungry for more championship glory.
Royals All-Star Salvador Perez may consider waiving veto rights
A month ago, the Royals publicly stated that they had no intention of trading Perez despite their downspin of a season. Perez himself recently intimated he was happy in Kansas City and looking forward to helping the team's "young group" develop in the future.
So what's up with all the trade speculation now?
The rumor mill never stops churning. Sitting dead last in the worst division in baseball, the 26-65 Royals are certain sellers. They will spend another year gutting the roster and trimming away the fat, though their immediate future feels more gloomy than others. Even if Kansas City were to ride off of Perez's talent for the next few years while adding key supporting pieces, the Royals have a lesser chance of making it to the playoffs compared to, say, the star-laden Astros.
Perez's best chance to win another ring won't be on the Royals. It's just a matter of what the veteran prefers in the twilight years of his career: staying in his beloved home, or adding more silverware to his trophy cabinet.
