Kansas City Royals to Seek New Assistant Hitting Coaches for 2026 Season

What's Happening?

The Kansas City Royals are set to make changes to their coaching staff for the 2026 Major League Baseball season by seeking new assistant hitting coaches. Despite a challenging 2025 season where the team scored an average of 4.02 runs per game, ranking 26th in MLB, the Royals showed notable improvement in the latter half of the season. The team’s overall performance included a batting average of .247, an on-base percentage of .309, and a slugging percentage of .397. The Royals' management, including General Manager J.J. Picollo and Manager Matt Quatraro, announced their decision to retain Alec Zumwalt as the hitting coach, citing his strong rapport with the players. However, they acknowledged the need for additional changes to enhance the team's offensive strategies and overall performance.

Why It's Important?

The decision to seek new assistant hitting coaches is significant for the Kansas City Royals as they aim to improve their offensive output and overall competitiveness in the league. The team's performance in 2025 highlighted areas that require strategic adjustments, particularly in maximizing the potential of their roster. By retaining Alec Zumwalt, the Royals maintain continuity in their coaching philosophy while also opening the door for fresh perspectives that new assistant coaches could bring. This move could potentially lead to better utilization of key players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino, who have shown strong individual performances. The changes are crucial for the Royals to enhance their standing in MLB and to build on the momentum gained in the latter part of the 2025 season.

What's Next?

As the Royals prepare for the 2026 season, the focus will be on identifying and hiring assistant hitting coaches who can complement Alec Zumwalt's approach and contribute to the team's offensive development. The management will likely evaluate candidates who can bring innovative strategies and techniques to improve the team's batting performance. Additionally, the Royals may look to make roster upgrades, particularly on the margins, to support their coaching changes. The upcoming offseason will be critical for the Royals as they aim to implement these changes and position themselves for a more successful 2026 season.