Salvador Perez vs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Who will Finish as the 2021 Home Run Leader?
By Thomas Snodgrass
Royals catcher Salvador Perez leads Major League Baseball in home runs entering the final day of the season. The last time a catcher led MLB in home runs was Johnny Bench in 1972, the same year that “The Godfather” was released.
It’s been a long time since we saw a catcher do this, 'capisce?'
Perez also set a Major League record for home runs in a single-season by a primary catcher, and with 48 homers on the season, he sits just one long-ball ahead of Blue Jays’ first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Perez also is tied for the Royals' all-time home run record, set by Jorge Soler just two years ago.
Salvador Perez on his 48th home run to tie the #Royals single-season record: "It was amazing. Something I will never forget. ... The support we have from the fans, it's amazing. It's special to do that for all the fans here in Kansas City." pic.twitter.com/EuzzUYXAZw
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) September 30, 2021
With just one game remaining, can Perez hold onto his one-homer lead or will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. catch the catcher?
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Odds
Guerrero faces the Orioles today at the homer-happy Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Blue Jays are heavy favorites in this one, with WynnBET Sportsbook setting Toronto on the moneyline at -400, and many runs are expected with the total set at 9.5. Guerrero has put up big numbers at home this season, batting .332 with 30 home runs and 67 RBI at home.
Lefty Bruce Zimmerman, who has allowed 13 home runs in 63 ⅔ innings, will get the start against the Blue Jays and will be making his first appearance against Guerrero.
Twins vs. Royals Odds
Perez will bat against the Twins and their starting pitcher, lefty Charlie Barnes. Barnes has never faced Perez, but has allowed four home runs in 35 ⅓ innings this season. Perez has hit 27 of his 48 home runs at home in Kauffman Stadium, where he is today.
WynnBET has the Royals as slight underdogs today at -105 over the Twins, but a lot of runs could hit the board today, as the total has been set at 10.5 (Over +104/Under -125).
Guerrero has been slumping over the past week, batting just .143 with one home run; the home run coming last night. Guerrero needs a two-homer game to surpass Perez, but I don’t see it happening with Perez batting .308 with two home runs in the last seven games.
I think Perez will actually hit his 49th today and give himself a little cushion between him and Guerrero.
Perez or Guerrero? Who will lead the MLB in home runs? WynnBET Promo: Bet $1, Win $100 if any NFL or College Football team scores. Claim offer now.