PHOENIX, Ariz. – Blake Mitchell, the Royals’ No. 2 prospect, arrives at Surprise Recreation Campus for Spring Training at 6:30 a.m., ready to lift weights. By the time he arrives, veteran catcher Salvador Perez is already halfway through his session.
For Perez, whose mornings often start an hour or two earlier, it’s just another day in a routine he has followed for nearly two decades.
“He’s here all day, just grinding,” Mitchell said. “It’s just crazy, the commitment that he has and determination to be better every single day.”
Perez, who is representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, has been with the Royals’ organization since 2006. Over his Major League career, he has compiled a .264 batting average, 303 home runs and a .758 OPS.
The nine-time All-Star, 35, signed a two-year contract that runs through the 2027 season on Nov. 4.
Beyond his personal stats, Perez is shaping the next generation of Royals catchers. Young players like Mitchell and Carter Jensen, the team’s top prospect, are learning more from Perez simply by observing his preparation and work ethic.
Mitchell, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 Draft, dealt with a broken right hamate bone during ‘25 Spring Training. This year, however, he has stayed healthy and on the field, something he sees Perez excel at year after year.
Across his Minor League career, Mitchell – who was reassigned to Minor League camp Sunday – has showcased a rare blend of power and speed for a catcher, slashing .223/.379/.378 with 21 home runs and 39 stolen bases.
“That’s a goal of mine,” Mitchell said. “Just stay on the field as long as I can, play as many games as possible, go out there and help my team win.”
Meanwhile, Jensen, who once sat in the stands of Kauffman Stadium as a young fan, is soaking in every lesson from the veteran. The prospect has started the spring strong, hitting .353 with two home runs and a 1.095 OPS through 17 at-bats after going 0-for-2 with a walk in the Royals' 5-4 loss to the White Sox on Sunday at Camelback Ranch.
Last season, the Kansas City native slashed .290/.377/.501 with a career-high 20 homers in 111 games between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. After making his Major League debut on Sept. 2, Jensen posted a 159 wRC+ over 69 plate appearances.
“He’s an amazing leader,” Jensen said of Perez. “[I’ve learned] how to prepare myself every day and the work ethic. To play as long as he’s played and continue to be playing, it takes preparation, it takes taking care of your body.”
While the young catchers are learning Perez’s preparation from the plate, the Royals’ pitchers see his influence from the mound. For left-hander Matt Strahm, Perez is a great target, and his presence immediately threatens the running game.
“It’s been my favorite. I’ve thrown to some great catchers … but the target Salvy gives you is just massive, and none of them can replicate that,” said Strahm, Perez’s locker neighbor.
For the Royals’ organization, having prospects like Mitchell and Jensen signals strong depth at a position that’s notoriously difficult to fill. Manager Matt Quatraro called Perez a “gem,” praising his longevity.
“He’s a one-of-a-kind. He’s a future Hall of Famer, somebody that means a ton to us on the field, but [also] in the community,” Quatraro said. “He’s a better person than a player, too.”
Above all, Quatraro hopes the young catchers learn to love the game the way Perez does.
“The work ethic is phenomenal. His joy of life, his joy of playing the game. And that’s not an easy thing to do, especially when there’s a game of so much failure, but his attitude is remarkable,” Quatraro said.
It is rare to see Perez without a smile in the Royals’ clubhouse. He leads by example, demonstrating that success in baseball comes as much from preparation and mindset as talent.
“It’s an honor to be able to play with him,” left-hander Cole Ragans said. “Just being able to be a small part of his Hall of Fame career is special.”
For Mitchell, Jensen and the entire Royals clubhouse, Perez’s legacy is clear, and above all, it’s about enjoying every moment on the field.