KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have announced the appointment of Ned Yost as a senior adviser to General Manager J.J. Picollo, marking the return of the prominent manager who guided the team to consecutive American League pennants and a World Series victory in 2015.

This announcement was made on Tuesday, just one day prior to the commencement of spring training, when pitchers and catchers are set to report.

“I have always held a strong affection for the Royals, Kansas City, and its community,” Yost, now 69 years old and who stepped down after the 2019 season, expressed. “My desire is to contribute because I believe I can make a difference. I understand what it takes to build a championship-caliber team, and I sense we are approaching that goal. We are getting very close.”

The Royals have shown significant improvement since their challenging 106-loss season two years ago, finishing last year with an 86-76 record. During this time, young star Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a noteworthy talent, and a revamped pitching rotation produced two All-Star pitchers. The team secured an American League wild card and advanced to the divisional series, where they faced off against the New York Yankees, ultimately exiting the playoffs in four games.

Yost initially took charge as the Royals’ manager on May 13, 2010, and he amassed a franchise-record 746 wins during his tenure. He was honored with induction into the team’s Hall of Fame during a pregame event on September 2, 2023.

“Our fans will always remember the leadership Ned displayed during some of the most memorable moments in Royals history,” Picollo stated. “He understands the effort required to win a World Series here, having played a significant role in achieving it, and his expertise with both young talent and as a leader will assist us in making informed decisions as we strive towards another championship.”