Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred were fired by the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, shortly after the struggling franchise finished the season 65-97 with a listless 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.
The Royals had exercised their option on Matheny’s contract for 2023 during spring training, when the club hoped it was turning the corner from also-ran to contender. But plagued by poor pitching, struggles from young position players and a lackluster group of veterans, the Royals were largely out of playoff contention by the middle of summer.
Kansas City Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager J.J. Picollo announced that manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred will not return for the 2023 season.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) October 6, 2022
The Kansas City Royals have fired manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred, the team announced. First move in what’s expected to be a giant managerial carousel this winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 6, 2022