Kansas City Royals get it right with Matt Quatraro

Aug 5, 2018; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Joey Wendle (18) is congratulated by third base coach Matt Quatraro (33) as he hits a home run against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2018; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Joey Wendle (18) is congratulated by third base coach Matt Quatraro (33) as he hits a home run against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals had to find the right person to take over as manager heading into 2023. That appears as though it will be the case.

As first reported by Jeff Passan, the Royals have hired Matt Quatraro as their new manager. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, he has received a three year deal with an option for 2026.

Matt Quatraro the leader the Kansas City Royals need

Quatraro has been a popular managerial candidate over the past few years but had yet to get his chance. That will change in Kansas City, where the 48 year old former bench coach for the Rays will get a chance to prove himself with a Royals team that is looking to end their losing ways once and for all.

While the Royals have not had a winning record over the past six years, there is plenty of intriguing young talent. Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez, Brady Singer, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Nate Eaton all could be pieces for the future. Add in the veteran leadership from Salvador Perez, and the Royals have talent.

They were also a team in desperate need of a cultural reset in the organization. The Royals had said that they were looking to modernize their front office and philosophy when they let Dayton Moore go. That was clear when Mike Matheny was fired as well, that they would look for a manager who can help bring the organization to the modern era.

Quatraro should be that person. He has spent his coaching career with the Guardians and Rays, two teams known for developing pitching and getting the most out of a smaller budget. Both areas will be important as the Royals’ younger arms have failed to develop as hoped, a key part of their struggles this season. Add in the Rays focus on analytics and the Royals could have the person they need to actually move forward and contend.

The Kansas City Royals have hired Matt Quatraro as their new manager. He is the right person as they look to modernize the organization.