KC Royals: Salvador Perez is a Silver Slugger once again

The KC Royals may not have found the postseason, but a few players have found a way to bring home some awards of their own for the 2020 season.

The KC Royals pushed through both ups and downs during the 2020 season. While they ended without seeing the postseason, and with some obvious things to fix, there were also plenty of positives to come from 2020.

They saw what some of their prospects can do, and the team seemed to come together better and become a more cohesive unit, something that helped the team in 2014-15.

It was obvious from the start, though, that their downfall would be a lack of production from the offense. It seemed as though everything shut down for them when they had runners on, or when they needed a clutch hit.

Luckily, they had one of their greatest strengths back for a good portion of the season, Salvador Perez.

Perez, as most likely know, missed the entirety of the 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His recovery went well, and while the team and fans were anxious to have the important catcher back on the field, there were always concerns about his production once he returned.

Players often take some time to get back to where they once were and Perez was expected to be no different.

Of course, he had to put all of those concerns to rest early. Salvy was likely helped by the delay in the season, giving him more time to work on his recovery and prepare. Once the season began, though, he was off to the races. Now, it has been announced that Perez has won a Silver Slugger Award.

Salvy finished the season slashing .333/.353/.633, knocking in 32 RBIs, 12 doubles, and 11 home runs. Not only is this impressive, and one of the best slash lines he’s put up in his career, but he did this over only 37 games, 156 plate appearances.

Salvy sat out a portion of the season due to an eye issue that caused him to have vision issues. Had he been able to play the entire season, he likely would have sent a few more balls over the wall.

Luckily, the time he did play was enough to give him the Silver Slugger honor. This is the third time Salvy has won the award, also winning it in 2018 and 2016. Perez has received at least one honor in every season he’s played since 2013, between being an All-Star, and winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger, and he has done all three in a season twice (2016 and 2018).

There is no doubt that Salvy is an important part of this Royals team. He is always helping to motivate the players and is the perfect person to catch for the young pitching prospects. While there may not have been as many bright spots in 2020, Salvador Perez was definitely one of them.

KC Royals catcher Salvador Perez has won his third Silver Slugger award.