It could be said that Salvador Pérez has a score to settle with the Kansas City Royals fans.
After his explosive 2021 season, in which he set a home run record for a catcher in the Majors, with 48, in addition to driving in 121 runs; The 2022 contest was very modest for the mask from Valencia (Carabobo).
With 23 home runs, in addition to 76 hits in 114 games, the native left an average of .254; so this year he hopes to make a clean slate.
His early presence at the Royals’ spring complex in Surprise, Arizona was a clear message from the Venezuelan, who seeks to once again have an exemplary year, in addition to getting in tune for the World Baseball Classic and thus representing the Venezuelan team with dignity. .
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The catcher in question will go to his twelfth year in the Majors, with his sights set on 1,300 hits (26 to reach the figure); in addition to the 250 round homers (27 to achieve it). He’ll also see action for much of the season at first base and DH, according to his new manager Matt Quatraro.
Fermín to leave everything
Freddy Fermín is another of the Creole talents that was reported early, to the Royals complex in Arizona.
After his remarkable winter campaign with the Leones del Caracas in the LVBP, the mask looks to graduate this year behind the Kansas City catcher.
That .404 average left by Fermín in winter baseball opened the eyes of the Royals’ management, especially their coaching staff, which, it should be noted, will have the pilot José Alguacil as infielders coach in the big team.
Fermín hopes to have more participation behind the plate in this coming season and thus demonstrate his value. However, the presence of Salvador will completely help the development of Fermín in catching for the Royals.
Total, this position will continue in good hands in this new season.