The Kansas City Royals exercised their club option on manager Mike Matheny on Thursday, eliminating any uncertainty over whether he will remain with the club after the coming season.
In his third season with the Royals, Matheny will have his first 162-game run as the manager. He managed the St. Louis Cardinals for seven seasons and is currently the manager of the Kansas City Royals.
Royals president Dayton Moore said in a statement that Mike is one of the finest leaders he has been around.
The decision to retain Matheny was a foregone conclusion. The Royals are in the midst of a massive rebuilding effort after back-to-back American League pennants in the last two years of manager Ned Yost's tenure.
The Royals are looking to a group of young starting pitchers to establish themselves in the big leagues, with more young help on the way.
Brad Keller, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, and Bobby Witt Jr. are all 20-something pitchers who have taken some bumps but have shown promise.
Witt was hitting.476 with two homers and six RBIs in eight spring training games.
The Royals have outfielder Kyle Isbel and catcher MJ Melendez in the works, and it is possible both could join Witt in the big leagues this season.
It was important for the Royals to keep a consistent voice in the locker room.
I am proud and honored to work with this group of players and staff, and it is a privilege that I take very seriously. I know we are in the middle of something special and I am excited for our fans to see it.
The Royals open the season on April 7.
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