Salvador Perez added to his trophy case by winning the 2016 American League Silver Slugger Award for the catcher position, the first time he has won the award. He becomes the eleventh Royals player to win a Silver Slugger Award, which has rewarded offensive performance by position since 1980. Perez joins Kendrys Morales, who won it last year at designated hitter.
Royals Silver Slugger Winners | Year | Position |
George Brett | 1980 | 3B |
Willie Wilson | 1980 | OF |
Willie Wilson | 1982 | OF |
Hal McRae | 1982 | DH |
Frank White | 1986 | 2B |
George Brett | 1988 | 1B |
Gary Gaetti | 1995 | 3B |
Dean Palmer | 1998 | 3B |
Billy Butler | 2012 | DH |
Kendrys Morales | 2015 | DH |
Salvador Perez | 2016 | C |
Salvador Perez hit .247/.288/.438 with 22 HR 64 RBI. He finished just fourth among regular American League catchers in wRC+ at 88 behind Brian McCann, Russell Martin, and Stephen Vogt. He did lead all regular American League catchers in home runs with 22, slugging percentage at .438 and ISO at .191. But he slumped badly after the All-Star break, hitting just .201/.248/.357.
Perez has already won the Gold Glove Award this year, the fourth of his career, and won World Series MVP last year. He has also been a four-time All-Star.