KC Royals: Changes could be coming to front office

Although they have struggled recently, the KC Royals’ management team must be doing something right as several members have interviewed for open positions.

Typically, when a team is doing well, many other franchises look to pick off players, coaches, or front office personnel in order to improve their clubs. The fact so many KC Royals executives are drawing interest validates the team is moving in the right direction. The last few drafts and expectations for next year have raised the stock of the team in many circles.

The Los Angeles Angels are currently conducting a search for a new general manager and three members of the Royals’ front office have been interviewed.  J.J. Picollo, Gene Watson, and Scott Sharp all participated in talks with the Halos.

Picollo would be the most recognized name in this bunch. He has been with Kansas City since 2006 and has spent the last six seasons as the Vice President/Assistant General Manger-Player Personnel.  His work in scouting and player development is well respected around the league.

This is not the first time Picollo’s name has been tied to other openings. He once again is rumored to be on the Philadelphia Phillies’ radar and having come from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a homecoming could be in order.

Watson has also been with the franchise for several years, first signing on as a scout in 2006.  Since then he has climbed the ladder and currently sits as the Senior Director-Pro Scouting/Assistant to the General Manager. (The KC Royals like long titles apparently).

After the cheating scandal rolled heads for the Houston Astros, Watson was mentioned as a possible replacement for their president of baseball operations. He has acquired many accolades during his time in professional baseball.

"Watson has been a part of USA Baseball’s selection committee for Olympic, World Cup, World Baseball Classic and Pan-Am Games dating back to 2008. He’s also been honored by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation (2018) as a recipient of the Legends in Scouting Award. – msn.com"

Sharp, like the others, has spent over a decade with the Kansas City club. First brought on as Assistant Director of Player Development, he just finished his third year as Vice President/Assistant General Manager. He also was a scout for eight years before joining the Royals. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal suggests Sharp may have the best shot:

Back in 2018, Sharp was being considered for the New York Mets general manager role.  It appears that it is only a matter of time before one, or all, of these executives are tabbed to lead another team.

On top of dealing with arbitration, free agency, and other personnel decisions, Dayton Moore may find himself having to replenish his front office staff. On the positive side, this could be an indication the Royals are set to be contenders again soon.  The guys all were here to put together back-to-back World Series teams and have now rebuilt the franchise again.