After more than three decades with the Kansas City Royals, a familiar face is stepping away. Mike Jirschele - a staple in the organization and most recently the manager of the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers - has retired, closing the book on a 34-year run that saw him wear nearly every hat in player development.
From the dugout to the third base coach’s box in Kansas City, Jirschele was a steady hand and trusted voice in the Royals' system. His departure marks the end of an era, but the Royals are already looking ahead with a revamped minor league coaching slate for 2026.
Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers: A New Era Begins
Taking over the reins in Omaha is Patrick Osborn, who served as the team’s bench coach last year. Osborn brings a well-rounded resume, having managed in the Yankees’ system for six seasons before a stint in the independent Atlantic League. Now in his second year with the Royals organization, he’s stepping into a leadership role at a critical level in the pipeline - where top prospects often make their final leap to the big leagues.
Dane Johnson returns as pitching coach, while Dave Lundquist stays on as assistant pitching coach. Bijan Rademacher is back for another season as hitting coach, but there’s a change in the batter’s box support staff: Darin Everson has moved on to the Nationals organization. Tripp Keister, who managed at Low-A Columbia last season, joins the Omaha staff in a new coaching role, bringing continuity and familiarity with some of the system’s younger players making their way up.
Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals: Familiar Faces, Steady Hands
Brooks Conrad returns for a second season managing the Naturals, continuing to build on the foundation he laid in 2025. Chris Corbett also returns to the staff, providing consistency in player development.
Andy LaRoche is back as hitting coach, and longtime pitching coach Larry Carter continues to guide arms at the Double-A level. The staff gets a new addition in Anthony Silkwood, who joins as assistant pitching coach after coaching at Jacksonville State.
One notable departure: Kevin Kuntz, son of Royals legend Rusty Kuntz, has left the Naturals to take a position with the Oakland Athletics.
High-A Quad Cities River Bandits: Blending Experience with Fresh Energy
Jesus Azuaje is back for a second year managing the River Bandits, and his staff brings a mix of returning and new voices. Derrick Lewis and Clayton Mortensen return as pitching coaches, while the hitting side gets a boost with the addition of Manny Burriss.
The former Giants infielder has spent the last two seasons as a hitting coach at Triple-A with the Dodgers and now brings that experience to the Royals’ High-A affiliate. Luke Lowery also joins the staff, coming over from PDG Academy, where he served as Director of Player Development.
Low-A Columbia Fireflies: Building on Momentum
After leading the Columbia Fireflies to a postseason berth in 2025, David Noworyta is back as manager, looking to build on that success. The pitching staff remains in good hands with Taylor Bloye and Julio Pimentel returning, while Ramón Castro is back as hitting coach. Chris Nelson joins the staff as assistant hitting coach after working with the Arizona Summer League team last year, adding another layer of continuity across the system.
Arizona Complex League: Veteran Guidance in the Desert
Larry Sutton returns to manage the Royals’ Arizona Complex League team, with a veteran-laden staff behind him. Jesús Delgado, Christopher Marte, and Ken Knutson all return as pitching coaches, providing a stable foundation for young arms just entering the system.
Alan Zinter, a former MLB catcher with extensive coaching experience across several organizations - including the Diamondbacks, Astros, Padres, Giants, and Reds - joins as a hitting coach. He’ll be working alongside Wilson Betemit Sr. and Rosell Herrera, both of whom bring playing experience and a player-first approach.
Jesús Atencio also returns to round out the staff.
Dominican Summer League: Development at the Ground Floor
In the Dominican Republic, Ramón Martínez and Sergio De Luna will manage the Royals’ DSL squads. Hitting coaches Irving Falu and Fernando Martinez return, along with pitching coach Leonel Santiago.
Coaches Quilvio Veras Sr. and Onil Joseph also return, while Mario Santiago joins the organization as a pitching coach and Ariel Venegas comes aboard as an assistant hitting coach. The DSL remains a key entry point for international talent, and the Royals continue to invest in experienced staff to guide their youngest prospects.
Player Development Leadership: A Deep Bench of Experience
At the top of the minor league development structure, Mitch Maier returns as Director of Player Development. He’s joined by Nick Leto, Director of Minor League Operations, and Kevin Howard, Assistant Director of Player Development.
Paul Gibson continues to lead the pitching side as Senior Director of Pitching Performance, supported by assistants Nate Adcock and Justin Freidman. Sam Eades serves as Pitching and Performance Integration Specialist, and Paul Menhart is back as Pitching Coordinator.
On the hitting side, Abraham Núñez and Nic Jackson return as hitting coordinators, with Joe Raccuia focused on hitting performance and scouting. Field development is in the hands of Scott Thorman and Omar Ramirez, while J.C. Boscan oversees catching and Tony Peña Jr. works with infielders.
Matt Duffy joins the front office as a Player Development Assistant, and two familiar names - Chino Cadahia and longtime Royals coach Rusty Kuntz - will continue to lend their wisdom as special assistants to the GM.
From Triple-A Omaha down to the Dominican Summer League, the Royals’ 2026 minor league coaching staff reflects a mix of continuity and new energy. As the organization looks to develop its next wave of big-league talent, these are the voices shaping the future - on the backfields, in the bullpens, and in the cages. With a strong infrastructure in place, Kansas City is doubling down on development, and that commitment could pay dividends sooner rather than later.