UPDATE 4:45 p.m. Monday: Updates with additional information from the Associated Press.
By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals fired hitting coach Terry Bradshaw and promoted Alex Zumwalt to fill his role Monday in a shakeup of the coaching staff that they hope will wake up one of the worst offenses in the majors this season.
The Royals have scored 118 runs through their first 32 games, better only than the Tigers, Orioles and White Sox, and their 21 home runs trail only the Tigers and Red Sox for the worst total in the big leagues.
The Royals began the day 12-20 and 6 1/2 games behind the Twins in the AL Central.
"Baseball is constantly shifting and we have to continue to self-evaluate and make sure we're giving our players everything they need to be successful at the highest levels," Royals general manager JJ Picollo said in a statement. "Our results so far haven't matched what we're capable of, and we all share accountability in that."
Zumwalt was hired as a scout in 2011 but more recently has spearheaded a shift in hitting development within the Royals' minor league program. The results last season were evident in Bobby Witt Jr. earning the Minor League Player of the Year award from Baseball American and MJ Melendez taking the Joe Bauman Award as the minor league home run champ.
Both of those players are with the big league club this season.
Keoni DeRenne will remain the assistant hitting coach and Mike Tosar the special assignment hitting coach.
"Changes like this are never easy and I'm grateful to Terry for his friendship and all he's done for me personally and for our team," Royals manager Mike Matheny said before opening a four-day, five-game set against the White Sox. "We can all do better, and that includes me. I'm confident that better days are ahead, and that Alec, Keoni and Mike will help us get there."
Bradshaw had been with the Royals system since 2000 and helped to usher to the majors Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer, two of the cornerstones of their 2015 championship team. He also helped Whit Merrifield lead the American League in hits twice and Jorge Soler break the club's single-season home run record, which Salvador Perez matched last year.
"Terry is one of the finest men I've known in baseball," Royals president Dayton Moore said. "The Royals are a better franchise with and because of men like Terry. We thank him and his family for all they've done."
. . .
Kansas City Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced changes to their coaching staff today, effective immediately.
Alec Zumwalt, Senior Director for Player Development and Hitting Performance, will join the big league staff full-time and oversee all hitting efforts. Keoni DeRenne remains the Assistant Hitting Coach and Mike Tosar, Special Assignment Hitting Coach, will also be in uniform with the Major League team. As part of the changes, Hitting Coach Terry Bradshaw will no longer be with the team.
“Baseball is constantly shifting and we have to continue to self-evaluate to make sure we’re giving our players everything they need to be successful at the highest levels of baseball,” Royals General Manager JJ Picollo said. “Our results so far haven’t matched what we’re capable of, and we all share accountability in that. We look forward to Alec, Keoni and Mike helping us provide the best possible processes for our players.”
Zumwalt is in his 12th season with the Royals, and third in his current role. He was originally hired as a Pro Scout in 2011 and was awarded the 2015 Art Stewart Scout of the Year Award for his efforts during the World Series Championship season. He spearheaded a shift in hitting development that helped produce significant improvements in productivity, including Bobby Witt Jr. being named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year and MJ Melendez winning the Joe Bauman Award as minor league home run champion in 2021.
Tosar joined the Royals in his current position in 2020. Prior to that, he was an International Scout and Special Assignment Hitting Coach with the Dodgers from 2012-19. He’s also worked with the Mariners, Twins, Marlins and Rays organizations. In 2017, Tosar threw to then-Royal Mike Moustakas in the 2017 Home Run Derby.
“Changes like this are never easy and I’m grateful to Terry for his friendship and all he’s done for me personally and for our team,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We can all do better, and that includes me. I’m confident that better days are ahead, and that Alec, Keoni and Mike will help us get there.”
Bradshaw played in 1995 and 1996 for the Cardinals and has worked in the Royals system since 2000 and played a key role in the development of Royals stars like Moustakas and Eric Hosmer before being elevated to Major League Hitting Coach in 2018. In that time, Whit Merrifield led baseball in hits twice (2018 and 2019), doubles (2021) and triples (10). Jorge Soler led the American League and broke the Royals single season record with 48 home runs in 2019, which Salvador Perez matched in 2021.
“Terry is one of the finest men I’ve known in baseball,” Royals President of Baseball Operations Dayton Moore said. “The Royals are a better franchise with and because of men like Terry. We thank him and his family for all they’ve done for the Royals and for baseball.”