The Kansas City Royals have brought back a key piece of their recent success, hiring former manager Ned Yost as a senior advisor to general manager J.J. Picollo. The move, announced Tuesday, comes as pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training and the Royals look to build on an encouraging 2024 season.
Familiar Face Returns To Guide Young Royals
Yost, 69, led the Royals to back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015 and the franchise’s second World Series title in 2015 before retiring after the 2019 season. Now, he rejoins the organization in a new role, bringing his wealth of experience and championship pedigree to a young Royals team on the rise.
My deep love for the Royals, for Kansas City, and for the people there never left. I just want to help, because I know I can help. I know what it takes to build a world championship club, and I think we’re getting close. I think we’re getting really close.
– Ned Yost
Yost is the winningest manager in Royals history, compiling a record of 746-839 over parts of 10 seasons. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame last September in recognition of his immense impact on the franchise.
Building On 2024’s Wild Card Run
The Royals are coming off a promising 86-76 season in which they earned an AL wild card spot before falling to the Yankees in the Division Series. The emergence of young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and a rebuilt rotation featuring two All-Star pitchers has the club eyeing a return to contention.
Our fans remember Ned’s leadership helping produce some of the best moments in Royals history. He knows what winning a World Series here takes because he’s helped make it happen, and his experience both as a leader and with young players will help us make better decisions and keep pushing toward another championship.
– J.J. Picollo, Royals GM
In his new role, Yost will serve as a sounding board for Picollo and the baseball operations staff, offering insights on roster construction, player development, and in-game strategy. His track record of nurturing young talent like Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Mike Moustakas during the Royals’ last rebuild should prove invaluable as the club looks to construct a sustainable winner around Witt and other emerging stars.
Aiming For Another Storybook Run
Yost’s return evokes memories of the Royals’ magical 2014 and 2015 seasons, when the plucky small-market club captivated fans with a thrilling brand of baseball featuring elite defense, dominant relief pitching, and timely hitting. After ending a 29-year playoff drought in 2014 and falling 90 feet short of tying Game 7 of the World Series, Yost’s Royals stormed back in 2015 to win the franchise’s first title since 1985.
- 2014 Royals: 89-73, won Wild Card Game & ALDS, lost World Series in 7 games
- 2015 Royals: 95-67, won ALDS, ALCS & World Series, ending 30-year title drought
While the game has evolved in the years since, with more emphasis on power pitching and home runs, the Royals are hoping to replicate that winning formula with a new core of homegrown stars. Witt, who finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, looks poised to lead the charge, with young pitchers like Brady Singer and Daniel Lynch anchoring the rotation.
Sage Advice For The Road Ahead
As the Royals embark on the 2025 season with renewed optimism, Yost’s voice will add a valuable perspective for a front office and coaching staff intent on returning to the promised land. His steady demeanor and ability to relate to players were hallmarks of his tenure as manager, traits that should serve him well in an advisory capacity.
There’s no one better to learn from than someone who’s been in the dugout and experienced the ups and downs of a 162-game season. Ned knows how to keep guys focused on the ultimate goal and what it takes to play winning baseball when the pressure’s on. He’s a great resource to have in our corner.
– J.J. Picollo
With Yost back in the fold and a wealth of young talent on the roster, the Royals are dreaming big once again. Kansas City fans are hoping the marriage of past success and future promise can yield another October to remember at Kauffman Stadium, with Yost’s fingerprints all over the blueprint.
