*Photo from KY3*
The offseason has just begun for most of MLB, and already we have managerial changes. The Kansas City Royals have fired manager Mike Matheny after 3 seasons at the helm, according to an announcement by the Royals on Wednesday.
Prior to the 2022 season beginning, the Royals picked up the team option for 2023 on Matheny's contract. That now becomes moot, as Matheny is out. The Royals also announced that pitching coach Cal Eldred has also been let go after 5 seasons as pitching coach.
Royals executive vice president and GM JJ Picolo said in a statement that "We are grateful to Mike for leading us through some unusual times these last three seasons. 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."
In the midst of weak competition in the AL Central this season, Matheny and the Royals were unable to find success. They finished the 2022 season dead last in the AL Central with a 65-97 record, 27 games out of the Division lead. Matheny joined the Royals prior to the 2020 season, and ends his tenure with a 165-218 record in the Royals dugout.
Managing the Royals was Matheny's second stint as a big league manager, having previously managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012-2018, being fired midway through the 2018 season. He guided the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, where they lost to the Boston Red Sox in 6 games.
Matheny said in a statement that "Managing the Royals has been a true privilege. 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."
The firing of Matheny and Eldred is the latest in a major shakeup towards the end of the season for the Royals. Toward the end of September, president of baseball operations Dayton Moore was fired as well.
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