Kansas City Royals planning to offer Ned Yost an extension
By David Hill
Despite a miserable 2018 campaign, the Kansas City are reportedly planning to offer an extension to manager Ned Yost.
To say that this has been a difficult year for the Kansas City Royals would be putting it mildly. The Royals currently sit at 47-92, 33.5 games out in the AL Central. The glory years, and their World Series victory from 2015, seem so long ago. And yet, just three years have passed since the Royals were the kings of baseball.
Through it all, Ned Yost has been on the bench. Brought in as the Royals manager in 2010, he helped guide the young franchise back to respectability. By 2013, the Royals had improved by 31 games under his guidance, finishing the season over .500 for the first time in a decade. Kansas City then reached the next two World Series, using their throwback brand of small ball, defense, and a stellar bullpen to return to glory.
Even though the recent years have not been as successful, Yost has remained the same – a calm, steady influence in the dugout. With that presence and respect in mind, the Royals are reportedly looking to offer Yost a contract extension for the 2019 campaign, allowing him to complete the decade at the helm.
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This is a move that would make a great deal of sense. Yost has displayed an ability to help mold the young players in the past, and the Royals are looking for that future core. Already, parts of the future have arrived, with Brett Phillips and Jorge Lopez. Jorge Soler and Ryan O’Hearn look like they can help as viable power threats. Jakob Junis is starting to turn his season around, and Brad Keller has exceeded expectations. There are pieces at the major league level.
Having continuity in the dugout will only help. As will having someone who knows what it takes to work into a winning ballclub, to deal with the growing pains and the doubt inherent with a young roster. These are the reasons why the Royals want Yost to return in 2019.
Of course, there is no guarantee that he will do so. Yost is 64 years old, one of the oldest managers in baseball. Does he really want to deal with the daily grind for another year, especially in a year that may only be marginally better than 2018 has been?
Next. Royals shut Danny Duffy down for 2018. dark
The Kansas City Royals want Ned Yost to stay with the team for 2019. The question is – does he want one more year on the bench?