Salvador Perez Sets Royals Home Run Record, Passing George Brett Salvador Perez surpassed George Brett as the Kansas City Royals' all-time home run leader on July 25, 2026, during a game at Comerica Park in Detroit. His 318th career home run, hit off Tigers pitcher Kyle Finnegan, displaced Brett from the top of the franchise's list. Brett had held the record since 1986, when he reached 194 homers, a mark that stood for 40 years. Perez’s home run marked his 15th of the season and his 11th consecutive full season with at least 15 homers. Perez, a nine-time All-Star, debuted with the Royals in 2011 and has signed multiple contract extensions to remain with the team. He is eligible for free agency after this season, having hit 242 of his 318 home runs as a catcher. His role as a catcher has largely been ceded to Carter Jensen in recent seasons. The Royals’ home run record is tied to the style of play developed at Kauffman Stadium, a park known for its spacious dimensions. Brett’s 194 homers remain a benchmark for the franchise, but Perez’s 318 surpassed even that. Other notable names on the list include Mike Sweeney, who ranks third with 197 homers, and Alex Gordon, who is fifth with 190. Both Sweeney and Gordon are better known for their speed and defensive prowess, highlighting the versatility of the Royals’ roster over the decades. Perez’s power surge has been a defining feature of his career. In 2021, he hit a career-high 48 home runs, leading the majors in long balls and RBIs with 121. He followed that up with another 30-homer, 100-RBI season in 2025, demonstrating his ability to maintain peak performance even in his late 30s. These achievements have made him one of the most productive sluggers in franchise history. Perez’s milestone also reflects his role in the team’s success.#kansas_city_royals #salvador_perez #comerica_park #george_brett #kyle_finnegan
