Pérez Named Sporting News AL All-Star

Sporting News has announced the publication's American League All-Star squad, with Royals catcher and former Storm Chasers backstop Salvador Pérez honored among the group. Perez was the only Royals and/or former Omaha player to earn an All-Star nod from the publication.

In 139 contests this season with Kansas City, Perez hit .247 (127-514), adding 57 runs, 28 doubles, 22 homers and 64 RBI. The 22 longballs set a new Major League single-season career-high, in addition to matching career-highs in runs scored and doubles. His .438 slugging percentage was also the highest of any season in which he participated in 100 or more games.

In addition, Perez excelled behind the plate, nabbing 37 of 77 baserunners who attempted a stolen base. Both the 37 runners thrown out and .481 caught stealing percentage paced not just all American League backstops, but all Major League catchers.

"Salvy" played in 24 combined contests with the Storm Chasers between the 2011-12 seasons. In total he recorded a .337 batting average (33-98), along with 16 runs, seven doubles, one homer and 17 RBI. That lone home run was a grand slam on July 29, 2011 against the Albuquerque Isotopes.

It was the second time Perez has been honored by Sporting News as its American League All-Star at the catching position after being recognized in 2014. Perez also received votes in 2015, while fellow Storm Chasers alum Lorenzo Cain was recognized by the publication that season as an American League All-Star. Royals closer Wade Davis also received votes at the end of last season.

Major League Baseball's 2016 honors, including the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, are set to be announced on a later date.