KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals are keeping continuity at the top of their hitting department while making adjustments to their staff for next season.
The club confirmed that hitting coach Alec Zumwalt will return for the 2026 season, continuing to lead the Royals’ offensive approach. However, assistant hitting coaches Keoni DeRenne and Joe Dillon will not have their contracts renewed, general manager J.J. Picollo told MLB.com.
The decision follows an evaluation of the team’s offensive performance, which showed both progress and areas for improvement. Kansas City averaged 4.02 runs per game in 2025, ranking 26th in the majors, while posting a .247 batting average, .309 on-base percentage and .397 slugging percentage. The team’s 93 wRC+ tied for 22nd overall.