The Royals have a decision to make when it comes to their future catcher. Salvador Perez is 35 years old, and Kansas City has two good options to be his heir apparent.

Carter Jensen (#18) and Blake Mitchell (#75) are both catchers with nearly identical measurables. All accounts seem to point to Jensen as their catcher of the future after Salvy hangs it up, so we’re going to focus on him in this prospect spotlight.

Jensen is hometown, Kansas City kid who has steadily improved his hitting ability over the last couple of years in pro ball. He is quick to the ball and good at recognizing which pitches he can drive. He was in the 90th percentile in terms of exit velocity (107+ mph) in the minors in 2025 and ran that up a full mile in his short cup of coffee in The Show. His profile as a catcher gives him a good eye at the plate, keeping him from expanding the strike zone and racking up strikeouts.

Jensen hit an impressive .300 in 60 at-bats with his hometown club, collecting 3 homers and 13 RBIs in that. He currently projects to be KC’s DH in 2026, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we see both Jensen and Perez on the everyday lineup card, switching between catcher and DH. So far in Spring Training, Jensen has 11 total bases in 12 at-bats, so it seems clear that 2026 will bring even more offensive ascension.

Jensen has great pop time defensively, and plus arm strength, so he will likely cut down more than his share of base stealers.

Of the names I’ve heard, I believe that Jensen compares well to a guy like Will Smith. Bat first with enough defensive ability to get the job done. Smith has become an invaluable piece to the Dodgers’ multiple championship runs, and I could envision Jensen bringing similar value to his friendly neighborhood Royals.