AL Central: The perils of aging

Kansas City Royals

The aging curve in most sports can be especially cruel. In baseball, if you haven't succeeded in the majors by 26 or 27, you're typically written off as a bust, and if you do succeed, by the time you reach your mid-30s, you're often being pushed out by someone younger. For some players, transitioning into a reduced role as a veteran proves tolerable; others do not go gently into that good night.

We saw those dynamics at play over the weekend with the Royals and 35-year-old franchise legend Salvador Perez. On Saturday, manager Matt Quatraro sat Perez for the first time all season, suggesting that the veteran catcher needed a "mental breather" after struggling at the plate to open the 2026 season. On Saturday night, Perez...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

If the Mets hope to emulate the Knicks' success in ending their championship drought, they'll need more--much more--out of 1B. Plus: RF in PHI; C in WAS and ATL; RP/SP in WAS; more.
Jun 16 2026 3:11am
Is the red-hot Blaze Alexander forcing his way into the third base job in BAL? Plus, injury reinforcements coming for the BOS infield and TAM outfield, and more from around the AL East.
Jun 16 2026 3:05am
The Cardinals have a deep outfield bench but Báez could make an impact. Plus more from around the NL Central.
Jun 12 2026 3:05am
With Colt Keith struggling, is it time for the Tigers to give Jace Jung another shot? Plus, more potential call-ups for the White Sox, SP depth in CLE, an intriguing waiver claim in KC, and a possible closer in MIN.
Jun 11 2026 3:07am
With Hunter Brown returning soon, Mike Burrows may be the odd man out in the rotation.
Jun 10 2026 3:05am

Tools