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MLB Rule Change Boosts Royals Catcher Salvador Perez's Role
Royals strategically limit ball-strike challenges to veteran catcher Perez.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Major League Baseball has implemented a new rule allowing players to challenge ball and strike calls, but the Kansas City Royals are being selective about who gets to make those challenges, entrusting the responsibility primarily to veteran catcher Salvador Perez.
Why it matters
The Royals' decision to centralize ball-strike challenges with Perez highlights his importance as a team leader and game manager, giving him more influence over the outcome of close games. This rule change could have significant implications for how the Royals approach close and high-leverage situations throughout the season.
The details
Under the new MLB rules, each team is allowed a limited number of ball-strike challenges per game. The Royals have decided to give Perez, their starting catcher, the authority to decide when to use those challenges, recognizing his experience and ability to effectively communicate with umpires.
- The new MLB rule allowing ball-strike challenges went into effect at the start of the 2026 season.
The players
Salvador Perez
The veteran catcher for the Kansas City Royals, known for his leadership and game management skills.
Kansas City Royals
The Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri.
What they’re saying
“Having Salvy be the one to decide when to challenge a call is huge for us. His experience and relationship with the umpires is invaluable.”
— Ned Yost, Royals Manager (Kansas City Star)
What’s next
The Royals will closely monitor how Perez utilizes the ball-strike challenge system throughout the season and make any necessary adjustments to their strategy.
The takeaway
The Royals' decision to entrust their ball-strike challenges to veteran catcher Salvador Perez highlights his importance to the team and the potential impact this new MLB rule could have on close games and high-leverage situations.
