How Royals’ Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe slugged their way to career milestones
Hunter Renfroe knew he still had a ways to go.
The Kansas City Royals outfielder recorded his 500th career RBI in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. He belted a two-run homer to propel the Royals to a 7-4 victory at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.
When asked about the career milestone, Renfroe joked that he still was well behind teammate Salvador Perez.
“I’m like 400 (RBIs) behind Sal, so that is kind of rough,” Renfroe joked.
Still, Renfroe appreciated the special moment. He joined Perez, who also collected his 900th career RBI on Friday, in leading the Royals offense.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to be in this league for long enough to get that,” Renfroe said. “I am truly blessed and truly honored to be a part of this team and be a part of MLB.”
Renfroe became the 68th active player to eclipse 500 career RBIs. He finished 1-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs in the game.
“When (Renfroe) is going good, it really lengthens our lineup out,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “... He’s got big power. We know that and he has been doing it for a long time. That really gives us a boost if he is going to be driving the ball like that.”
That boost also helps support Perez in the middle of the lineup.
Perez finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. He drilled a two-run homer that landed in the fountains well beyond the left-center field wall.
Additionally, Perez became the fourth Royal to reach 900 career RBIs. He joined George Brett (1,596), Hal McRae (1,012) and Amos Otis (992).
Perez is also the 13th active player to have 900 or more RBIs.
“I thank God for keeping me healthy and, you know, I was trying to do my job,” Perez said. “I love to play baseball, and you guys know that. So hopefully, many more (RBIs).”
Several Royals marveled at Perez’s milestone. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who has turned into an RBI machine this season, lauded the respect shown by opposing teams whenever Perez steps into the batter’s box.
“It’s just incredible,” Pasquantino said. “The joy he has for the game is second to none. He’s awesome and he is the leader of this team for a reason. He’s the captain for a reason and you can’t say enough good things about him.”
This season, Perez ranks eighth in the majors with 88 RBIs. He is looking to record his second campaign with 100 or more RBIs.
The last time he eclipsed the benchmark was during the 2021 season when he posted 121.
“I mean, the number is one thing, but I don’t think the general public or even myself understands like how many that is and how hard that is,” Quatraro said. “… To be as good as he’s been for as long as he’s been to accumulate those numbers is really remarkable. It’s really cool to have him do it here as well.”
The Royals are the only team to have three players with 85 or more RBIs this year. Alongside superstar Bobby Witt Jr., Pasquantino and Perez each are on pace to reach 100 RBIs this season.
If the trio can reach the benchmark, they will become the third set of teammates to have done so in Royals history. The last time it happened was in 2000, as Jermaine Dye, Joe Randa and Mike Sweeney each had over 100 RBIs.
“It does mean something to me, but I’m not going to change anything,” Pasquantino said. “You know, I had a few opportunities tonight that I didn’t take advantage of. I’d like to take advantage of that and put some more runs on the board, not necessarily to get to 100. But that would be a really cool number to get to.”
