After a season, that did not go in the direction the Royals wanted to go. They started to shake some things up immediately after the final game of the 2022 season. Kansas City has already announced that manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred will not return for the 2023 season.
This change comes just a few short weeks after the Royals relieved Dayton Moore of his duties. As of now, general manager J.J. Piccolo is set to take his place as the President of Baseball Operations. The club previously exercised its extension on Mike Matheny back in Spring Training. Out of the gates, the Royals were hoping to be a contender again, however, they were plagued by poor pitching as well as some failed experiments with veterans like Carlos Santana, and struggles from their young position players. The Royals were well on their way to being out of contention by the mid-summer classic.
“Managing the Royals has been a true privilege,” Matheny said in a statement. “I’m thankful to so many, primarily Dayton Moore, and the coaches and players I’ve worked with. I would like to thank Mr. John Sherman and the ownership group for the opportunity to manage their team, and everyone involved in this great organization.”
“I came to the Royals knowing it was an organization of excellence and care, and was shown that care every single day. Royals fans should be excited about this group of players, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow.”
After a Covid-shortened season in which the Royals went 26-34. They took a step forward in 2021 to go 74-88 with a few young prospects making their debuts. Then this season, they fell backward.
“We are grateful to Mike for leading us through some unusual times these last three seasons,” Picollo said in a statement. “He met those challenges head on and helped us move forward in a positive manner. We thank him for his leadership and know his influence will have a positive impact moving forward.”
Mike Matheny becomes the fifth manager fired this season, as he joins four others relieved this season. Philadelphia replaced their manager Joe Girardi back in June, and that turned out to be for the better as the Phillies broke their playoff drought, led by replacement Rob Thomson. The Angels replaced Joe Maddon with Phil Nevin, and just four days later, Toronto replaced Charlie Montoyo. His successor John Schneider has turned the Blue Jays’ season around. Towards the end of the season, the Rangers replaced Chris Woodward. In addition, to all of those Don Mattingly said he won’t be returning.
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