Salvador Perez sets a Royals franchise record in a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays on Aug 2, 2025. See how the Captain surpassed George Brett's home run milestone.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Even in a tough 4-2 loss on Saturday, a moment of pure Kansas City history echoed through the Rogers Centre. Salvador Perez, the heart and soul of the Royals, launched his 20th home run of the season, officially setting a new franchise record with his ninth 20-homer campaign. As the Captain surpasses the legendary George Brett, it's a powerful reminder of his enduring greatness, even as the team fights to find its footing in a crucial series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
With his 20th home run of the season, Salvador Perez now stands alone, breaking George Brett's franchise record with his ninth 20-homer season.
It was a classic Salvy moment. In the sixth inning, facing future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, Perez blasted a solo shot that was more than just a run on the scoreboard. It was history. With that swing, he surpassed George Brett for the most 20-homer seasons in a Royals uniform. In a poetic twist, Perez's very first MLB home run back in 2011 also came against Scherzer. The milestone provides a silver lining to Saturday's loss and cements Perez's legacy as one of the all-time franchise greats.
While Salvy's veteran presence anchors the team, a new face is already providing a much-needed spark. Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, acquired just before the trade deadline, didn't waste any time endearing himself to Royals fans. In his very first at-bat with the team on Friday, he launched a two-run homer off Kevin Gausman, propelling the team to a 9-3 victory. It's exactly the kind of immediate impact the front office hoped for, adding depth and power to an outfield in need of a boost for the stretch run.
With the series tied 1-1, the Royals (47-50) face a pivotal rubber match tonight against the AL East-leading Blue Jays (55-41). Kansas City needs a win to climb back towards .500 and keep their playoff hopes alive. They'll send their reliable right-hander, Seth Lugo (8-5, 3.03 ERA), to the mound. He'll be in for a tough duel against Toronto's Chris Bassitt (11-5, 4.34 ERA). First pitch is at 5:37 PM ET in what feels like a must-win game to avoid losing ground in the wild card race.
The excitement isn't just at the major league level. The Royals' farm system is brimming with talent that promises a bright future. The system is headlined by No. 1 prospect Jac Caglianone, but the depth is what's truly impressive. Catching prospects Blake Mitchell and Carter Jensen are seen as future contributors, and the pitching pipeline is strengthening with recent draftees and international signings. The organization's focus on player development is building a sustainable core to support stars like Bobby Witt Jr. for years to come.
Tonight's game is more than just another August contest; it's a litmus test. With veteran leadership rewriting the record books, new acquisitions making an immediate impact, and a reliable arm on the mound, the Royals have the pieces to make a run. A win tonight against a top-tier Blue Jays team could be the spark that ignites a late-season surge back into the thick of the playoff race. All eyes are on Seth Lugo to play the stopper and send the Royals home with some much-needed momentum.
