"Salvador Perez isn't gonna be around forever" - Brewers legend offers strong endorsement of $57.5M Royals star

Former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac shared his thoughts on Maikel Garcia finalizing a five-year, $57.5 million extension with the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The infielder debuted with the team in July 2022 and earned an All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award last season.

Plesac appreciated the Royals for locking up the 25-year-old slugger at an early age and acknowledged that they had a good season.

"They need somebody other than Bobby Witt Jr. because Sal Perez isn't going to be around forever," Plesac said on Wednesday, via MLB Network. "I know they inked him to a new deal, but you're always, as a team, looking for young position players that you feel have staying power, that you can write their name in a lineup."

"Take a look at his build and his body," he added. "He is built like a guy that could take the beating of being an everyday player. "Solid year last year. Lots to like about him. And he along with Bobby Witt, you need to have more than one guy in that lineup. (You'd) like to have two or three and I think the Royals feel he could be that guy.:

Royals GM J.J. Picollo called Salvador Perez "the most important player"

Kansas City Royals v Athletics - Source: Getty

Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo issued a statement following Salvador Perez's signing in November.

"Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had," Picollo said. "We appreciate Salvy’s commitment to the Royals, and we’re just as excited as our fans."

Perez shared the news on Instagram with a picture of him in his uniform, with "Staying Home" written on the graphic and his signature overlaid.

"Gloria a Dios 🙏🏽 we stay at home," Perez wrote.

Perez also announced that he will play for Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

He is a five-time Silver Slugger and the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award winner. Perez also won the Gold Glove Award five times and became a World Series champion in 2015.

He posted a .236 batting average, 30 homers and 100 RBIs last season, and reached 300 homers and 1,000 RBIs in his career.