Salvador Pérez hit his 318th career home run on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to become the all-time home run leader for the Kansas City Royals [1].
The achievement marks a historic shift in the franchise's record books, as Pérez surpassed a milestone long held by one of the game's most decorated players. By eclipsing the previous mark, Pérez cements his legacy as the most prolific power hitter in the history of the Kansas City organization.
Playing in Detroit, Michigan, against the Detroit Tigers, Pérez connected for the record-breaking hit [1]. The home run moved him past Hall of Famer George Brett, who previously held the franchise record with 317 home runs [1].
Pérez reached the 317-home run mark faster than his predecessor. According to team data, Pérez required 1,805 games to reach 317 home runs [3], while Brett needed 2,707 games to achieve the same total [3].
Following the milestone, Pérez took to social media to celebrate the achievement. "FOR THE RECORD," Pérez said via his Twitter account [3].
The record-breaking moment occurred during a series of high-profile performances for the catcher this month. While some reports varied on the exact date he tied the record, the 318th home run on Saturday officially established him as the sole leader [2].
Pérez has spent the majority of his career with the Royals, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the lineup. His ability to maintain power production over a decade has allowed him to challenge and eventually surpass the benchmarks set during the franchise's most successful eras.
“Salvador Pérez hit his 318th career home run... to become the all-time home run leader for the Kansas City Royals”
Pérez surpassing George Brett is a rare instance of a modern player overtaking a Hall of Fame standard in a franchise's primary power category. The fact that Pérez achieved this in nearly 900 fewer games than Brett suggests a higher rate of home run production per game, reflecting both the evolution of the sport's offensive environment and Pérez's specific efficiency as a power-hitting catcher.
