Veteran manager Yost retiring
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ned Yost did something few thought possible when he took over the Royals in 2010: He not only built the organization into a winner, he delivered the long-suffering organization its first World Series championship in three decades.
Now he’s leaving the next rebuilding job to someone else.
Yost announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the season, ending a nine-year tenure that included two AL pennants and a dramatic 2015 title.
Like many small-market clubs, the Royals gutted their roster after their stunning run of success once their foundational stars became too expensive. That began a massive rebuilding effort last year.
Yost, 65, will retire as the club’s career wins leader with 744 to date. He is the only manager to lead the Royals to back-to-back World Series, losing to the Giants in seven games in 2014 and beating the Mets in five the next year.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will never forget the good and the hard times we had together as an organization and a fan base,” Yost said.
“I will never forget the fact that you fans supported us through it all. Kansas City will always have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to rooting the Royals on to their next world championship very soon.”
The Royals are not expected to move quickly in hiring Yost’s replacement, though bench coach Dale Sveum and special adviser Mike Matheny would provide their young core with a seamless transition. Both of them have managerial experience.