A bold statement has been made: the Royals should not start Salvador Perez at catcher this year, according to an ex-MLB executive. It's a controversial take, but one that has sparked an intriguing debate.
With the MLB season fast approaching, the buzz around rookie catcher Carter Jensen is growing. MLB Network's Greg Amsinger has already picked Jensen as his favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, and Keith Law, a former Blue Jays executive, agrees that Jensen has the potential to take home the prestigious honor.
Law, in an article for The Athletic, ranked Jensen as the top rookie to watch this season. He highlighted Jensen's impressive debut last year, where he showcased his hitting prowess and solid defensive skills. Law believes it's time for the Royals to give Jensen a chance to shine, especially considering Perez's age and declining performance.
"Salvador Perez is a legend, but his time may be up," Law wrote. "At 36, Perez's production is declining, and it's time to pass the torch to the next generation. Jensen has the tools to be a star, and with his history of getting on base and real power, he could be a force behind the plate."
Perez, however, is not going down without a fight. He had an impressive season last year, with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. But here's where it gets interesting: the Royals' manager, Matt Quatraro, has not committed to giving Jensen the starting role.
"We're optimistic about Jensen," Quatraro said, "but we have a Hall of Fame catcher in Perez. We'll see how it plays out, but Perez will get his fair share of playing time."
So, who do you think should start at catcher for the Royals? Is it time to move on from the legendary Perez and give Jensen a chance to prove himself? Or should the Royals stick with the tried and tested Perez, despite his age? The debate is sure to continue, and it's a fascinating insight into the world of baseball strategy.
What's your take on this catcher conundrum? Let us know in the comments!
