Royals sign C Perez to $52 million extension

The deal would begin in 2017 and run through 2021, and represents progress for general manager Dayton Moore forecast in negotiations with the team's upcoming free agents. First baseman Eric Hosmer could be next in line.

Perez, 25, was the MVP of the 2015 World Series. He made $2 million last season and is in the final year of his original five-year, $7 million deal.

Perez hit .364 (8 for 22) in the World Series and the Royals edged the New York Mets in five games. Manager Ned Yost gives Perez immense credit in the effectiveness of the Royals' pitching staff.

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