Kansas City – The Royals announced Tuesday that longtime hitting coach Alec Zumwalt will no longer serve on the bench but will remain with the club in a senior director capacity. The move comes after the team posted a .247 batting average, ranking in the top ten league‑wide, while its pitching staff posted a 4.77 ERA, the worst among the 30 MLB clubs.
Zumwalt’s tenure and background
Zumwalt, 45, spent nine seasons as a minor‑league outfielder and pitcher from 1999 through 2007, adding a year of independent ball in 2008. He transitioned to scouting for Kansas City before being promoted to hitting coach in May 2022, replacing Terry Bradshaw. During his time on the staff, the Royals have worked to improve offensive production while navigating a rebuilding roster.
Coaching staff adjustments
The organization said it will retain hitting coaches Connor Dawson and Marcus Thames, who will continue to work with the hitters under the new structure. The decision to shift Zumwalt to a front‑office role reflects the club’s desire to leverage his analytical expertise while giving the on‑field staff fresh perspectives.
Team performance context
While Kansas City’s batting average placed the club among the league’s better offenses, the overall record still left the Royals in last place in the American League Central. The pitching staff’s 4.77 ERA highlighted the need for continued work on the mound, a focus that the front office expects the new senior director of hitting performance to support through data‑driven approaches.
What’s next for the Royals
General manager J.J. Petrik emphasized that the organization remains committed to building a competitive team through both player development and strategic staff placements. “Alec’s knowledge of hitting mechanics and performance analytics will be invaluable as we continue to refine our approach,” Petrik said.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the revised coaching structure influences the club’s offensive output as the season progresses. The Royals aim to translate their solid batting numbers into more wins, hoping to climb out of the division’s basement and re‑establish themselves as a contender.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
