The Royals signed their manager for years to come.
The Kansas City Royals have displayed commitment to their current core of players. They recently agreed to a long-term deal with third baseman Maikel Garcia, while shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is under contract for the foreseeable future. The Royals took another step toward building for both the present and future on Sunday by announcing a three-year contract extension with manager Matt Quatraro.
"We have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Manager Matt Quatraro! The extension will begin in 2027, with a club option for the 2030 season," the team announced on Sunday.
Quatraro will manage the Royals on his current contract in 2026 before the extension kicks in for the 2027 campaign. He will then be under contract through 2029, with a club option for 2030 also being part of the agreed upon deal.
The 52-year-old manager took over the job in 2023 with the Royals. While the rebuilding Royals struggled throughout 2023, their core of players left room for excitement.
Kansas City took a huge step in the right direction in 2024, winning 86 games and earning a playoff position. The Royals did not make it far in the postseason, but it was clear they were building something intriguing. Quatraro also finished second in American League Manager of the Year voting behind Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians.
2025 did not go according to plan, but Kansas City still finished with a winning record at 82-80. It became clear the ball club needed to make some roster upgrades. Kansas City has already made a number of moves this offseason. Additionally, the Royals have been linked to stars in trade rumors.
The Royals are trusting Quatraro to lead the way over the next few years -- and possibly longer if things go well. Kansas City last won a World Series in 2015, so the Royals are hoping to erase their Fall Classic drought soon. While a 10-year World Series drought in baseball is not especially long (just ask teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians about long World Series droughts), the Royals are taking steps toward becoming a legitimate contender in the American League.
This ball club will be entertaining to watch over the next few seasons. Matt Quatraro will do everything he can to help the Royals return to the World Series. The added safety in his contract with the extension should allow him to coach with less pressure, which could lead to improved managerial performance.