Kansas City Royals Countdown: Top Five Catchers

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

3. Salvador Perez (2011-present, 10.8 WAR)

Here, we have another player who has made this list despite not having spent much time behind the plate. However, unlike Kirkpatrick, Perez is just starting his career. In fact, he only has two full major league seasons to his credit.

Those two full seasons with the Kansas City Royals, however, have been impressive. Both years, Perez has made the All-Star team and won a Gold Glove award, cementing his place as one of the top young catchers in baseball. These accomplishments have been even more impressive considering that Perez is out on the diamond almost every game.

While there may be quibbles about Salvador Perez’s approach in the batter’s box, the results have been solid. A career .285/.315/.433 hitter with 44 home runs, Perez has seen his home run totals increase each season. Even if he will never be a 30 home run hitting catcher, he could well end up consistently in the 20 to 25 home run range during his prime.

Defensively, Perez has been among the best in the game since he first came up. Even in the 2012 season, when Perez played in 76 games, he finished second in total zone runs and led the American League with a 41.9% caught stealing rate. Teams just do not run on Perez any longer.

Right now, Salvador Perez has the third highest WAR of any catcher in Royals history. Considering how young he is, Perez could be atop this list in the next couple of years.

Next: Mac the Catcher? Eh, I'll think of something better.