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Alec Zumwalt out as hitting coach

The Kansas City Royals are shifting Alec Zumwalt out of his role as hitting coach, as reported by Ken Rosenthal. Zumwalt will continue in his capacity as senior director of hitting performance after spending nine total years with the club and holding the dual titles since 2022.

The team posted a 4.26 runs-per-game average this season for a 21st-place finish across baseball, representing a minor uptick from the 4.02 average and 26th-place ranking in 2025. Offensive production was bolstered by standout campaigns from Carter Jensen, Jac Caglianone, and a career-high output from Michael Massey.

However, the squad struggled out of the gate with a 4.06 runs-per-game average through April. Other hitters endured difficult campaigns, including Vinnie Pasquantino, a sharp regression for Salvador Perez, a late-season slump by Isaac Collins, and a career-low offensive year for Kyle Isbel.

Decisions regarding assistant hitting coaches Connor Dawson and Marcus Thames remain unannounced, with J.J. Piccollo set to address reporters on Wednesday.

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