Kansas City Royals: Year-end review, catchers

The Kansas City Royals are officially in the offseason and it’s time to review how the catchers did in Salvador Perez’s absence.

The Kansas City Royals took a huge blow during Spring Training when their perennial Gold Glove catcher, Salvador Perez was lost for the season with a tear of the UCL. Perez required Tommy John surgery and suddenly the team was searching for answers for a new backstop. They signed Martin Maldonado who had previously spent time with the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Maldonado was traded to the Chicago Cubs in mid-July in exchange for Mike Montgomery. At the time, it made perfect sense. The Cubs needed a backup catcher while Willson Contreras was nursing a foot injury and the Royals needed another starter in a lousy rotation. Let’s see how each catcher did this season for the team.

Obviously, the Royals will be relying on Salvador Perez to return healthy next season but the backup going forward will likely be Gallagher given his experience and Viloria should probably start next year at Triple-A Omaha.