The 2026 season ended with a record that stings. The Royals finished 69-93, their first losing year since the 106-loss disaster in 2023. They ended up at the bottom of the AL Central, and for the second consecutive year, failed to reach the postseason. General Manager J.J. Picollo did not sugarcoat the reality at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday.
Advertisement
“I think it goes without being said, it’s kind of disappointing sitting here today without being in the playoffs as we expected,” Picollo said in an end-of-season press conference reported by MLB.com Royals. The team felt they could win it all before the first pitch. “It was something we certainly felt was attainable coming into our season.”
But the results did not match the promise. The offense started slow and never found its rhythm. By May, the squad recorded a league-low 221 runs alongside 726 total bases. Stars like Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez struggled to hit in the early months, slashing well below their career norms. Injuries to key players like Maikel Garcia only made the hole deeper.
Why the Staff Is Changing
Changes are coming to the coaching bench. The Royals stated that hitting instructor Alec Zumwalt would be reassigned internally within the organization. He will keep his title as senior director of hitting performance but will leave the dugout. Picollo explained that this shift was expected from the start.
Advertisement
“With Alec, this was something that was anticipated the day he was brought to the Major Leagues,” Picollo told reporters. Zumwalt has deep ties to the roster, having joined as a scout in 2013. He stepped into the hitting coach role in 2022 to replace Terry Bradshaw. His work with the core group of players over the last few years was solid, but the front office has a different plan for the future.
The team is looking for long-term answers, not just a quick fix. “But last year, when we went into the offseason looking to replace two assistant coaches, we were very intentional in trying to find coaches that we thought would be the long-term solution for us,” Picollo said. Marcus Thames and Connor Dawson joined the staff last offseason as assistants, and the plan is to add another assistant hitting coach soon.
Fixing the Run Production
The stats show a clear problem: the team could not bring runners home. With 2,186 total bases and a .247 batting average, Kansas City placed fifth and tied for second in the league, respectively. Yet, they ranked 22nd in MLB in runs with 690. You can hit the ball hard and still lose if you do not score when it counts.
Advertisement
Picollo knows the path forward requires better execution from the current group. “We’ve got to figure out how to get this current roster playing to its abilities and put ourselves in a better position in 2027,” he said. The goal is not just to win next year, but to build a winner for the next decade. “But it’s not just about ’27, it’s about long-term success.”
The front office admits the offense was not good enough in April and early May.
Comments
Advertisement