Royals Owner John Sherman Backs Leadership, Says Payroll Is 'In a Good Spot'

Overview

• Sherman publicly endorsed general manager J.J. Picollo and manager Matt Quatraro in an MLB.com interview and reiterated a commitment to winning.
• RosterResource figures cited in coverage put 2025 payroll at about $138 million and current 2026 commitments around $127 million, excluding Salvador Perez’s $13.5 million club option.
• Perez’s option carries a $2 million buyout, so exercising it would add roughly $11.5 million to the 2026 ledger before other moves.
• MLB Trade Rumors interpreted Sherman’s remarks as pointing to a payroll similar to 2025 and identified several non-tender candidates whose departures could save an estimated $18.9 million if all were cut.
• Offseason priorities center on adding offense with focus on the outfield and possibly second base, while the next potential county sales-tax stadium vote is not until April 2026 and the interview did not address the stadium situation.