5 richest contracts handed out in KC Royals history

2. Salvador Pérez — 4 years, $82 million

At the time of signing on March 21, 2021, catcher Salvador Pérez's four-year, $82 million extension (AAV of $20.5 million) was the most lucrative contract in franchise history. Under the deal, Pérez would earn $18 million in 2022, $20 million in 2023 and 2024, and $22 million in 2025. $2 million of his 2025 salary will be deferred without interest and payable on June 30, 2027.

Should the Royals decide they want to keep their captain an extra season after next year, the contract includes a $13.5 million club option for 2026 or a $2 million buyout.

“It’s hard to believe where I’m coming from, where I grew up, to see the situation I have right now, it makes me feel super happy,” Pérez told NBC Sports' Melissa Kramer after signing the extension in 2021. “My mother is going to be happy. I know my grandma is going to be happy. I know they’re excited for me to be here for four more years, maybe five.”

The 2024 season was Pérez's 14th in MLB — all spent in Kansas City — and through his career, he's posted a .267/.303/.459 line with 273 home runs, 916 RBI, and 656 runs in 1552 games. The 34-year-old has won five Gold Glove Awards, 5 Silver Slugger Awards, World Series MVP, and the Roberto Clemente Award, while also receiving nine All-Star selections and two All-MLB First Team selections.

Pérez has already had an incredible career in MLB and certainly isn't done yet. After next season, the Royals are almost certain to pick up his club option for 2026, meaning the catcher will have at least two more seasons in Kansas City to continue reinforcing his legacy.