On April 9, 2025, during a heated game at Target Field, Kansas City Royals captain Salvador Perez found himself in hot water with Major League Baseball after a fiery outburst that has now cost him a hefty $50,000 fine. The incident occurred in the late innings of the Royals’ 9-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, a game already marked by tension following a personal foul call involving Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Perez, known for his leadership and passion, reportedly yelled “f*** you” three times at the umpires, an act of misconduct that prompted swift action from the league.

The personal foul call in question came in the seventh inning when Witt Jr., who had been a bright spot for the Royals with his speed and offensive prowess earlier in the season, was involved in a contentious play at second base. Witt, attempting to stretch a single into a double, collided with Twins second baseman Edouard Julien. The umpire called a personal foul on Julien for obstruction, but the Twins challenged the call, and it was overturned, ruling Witt out. The decision infuriated the Royals’ dugout, with Perez leading the charge in protest. Witnesses say the 34-year-old catcher, visibly frustrated, directed his expletive-laden tirade at home plate umpire John Tumpane, repeating the phrase three times before being restrained by teammates.

MLB issued a statement on April 10, confirming the fine and warning Perez for his “inappropriate and unsportsmanlike conduct.” The league emphasized its commitment to maintaining professionalism on the field, especially in high-stakes games. The $50,000 fine, while significant, is not the largest ever issued for such behavior—former Yankees manager Billy Martin was fined $100,000 in 1988 for a similar outburst—but it sends a clear message to Perez and the Royals, who are already reeling from the blowout loss. The Royals, now 5-8, have struggled early in the 2025 season, a stark contrast to their 2024 playoff run, and this incident only adds to the mounting pressure on the team.

Perez, a nine-time All-Star and the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award winner, has been a cornerstone of the Royals since their 2015 World Series victory. However, his fiery temper has occasionally landed him in trouble. In 2024, he argued a call with umpire Laz Diaz during an Opening Day loss to the Twins, though no fine was issued then. This time, MLB deemed his actions severe enough to warrant both a fine and a warning, with sources indicating that a suspension could follow if such behavior recurs.

The Royals organization has not yet commented on the fine, but manager Matt Quatraro, who has been under scrutiny himself after the Twins loss, is expected to address the situation before the team’s next game against the Chicago White Sox on April 11. On X, fans are divided—some defend Perez’s passion, with one user posting, “Salvy’s just standing up for his team! MLB needs to chill,” while others criticize his lack of composure, saying, “He’s the captain—he should know better.” For now, Perez’s outburst has cast a shadow over the Royals’ season, raising questions about the team’s discipline and focus as they fight to regain their footing in the AL Central.