The contract for Kansas City Royals catcher and 2015 World Series MVP Salvador Perez doesn't expire until after the 2019 season, but he's already thinking about a new deal.
Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star is reporting there are signs that the 25-year-old Perez and the Royals will come to an agreement on a new contract before Opening Day.
"I want to be George Brett," Perez said, per Mellinger. "I want to be like Frank White, like Alex Gordon. One of those guys. Because this team gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues."
A three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Perez hit a career-high 21 home runs last year during the Royals' run to their first world championship in 30 years.
During the Royals' five-game win over the New York Mets in the World Series last year, Perez batted .364 with two doubles.
Rafa Nieves, Perez's agent, told Mellinger the two sides have made progress and that there's a 50 percent chance they'll get a deal done before the Royals begin their championship defense April 3 against the Mets at home.
Mellinger noted when he becomes a free agent, Perez will be 29 years old—the same age at which Brian McCann signed an $85 million deal over five years. If Perez continues producing at the same rate, he could be in line for a figure greater than $100 million.
Perez has already become a cornerstone for the Royals. When the time comes, whether it be before Opening Day or when his deal expires in 2019, Perez has shown he's worthy of a new contract.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. Contract info courtesy of Spotrac. Follow Danny Webster on Twitter.
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