As the MLB offseason continues to reshape the league’s landscape, the big headlines have naturally gone to the marquee free agent signings - names like Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette all finding new homes. But while the spotlight shines on the stars, there’s plenty happening just outside that glow - especially in Kansas City, where the Royals organization has made some quiet but meaningful moves that could shape their future from the ground up.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening in the Royals’ orbit this past week - from a new face leading their Triple-A squad, to a familiar reliever heading back to where it all started, and a former utility man hitting the waiver wire.
Royals Name Patrick Osborn as New Triple-A Manager in Omaha
The Royals recently locked in Matt Quatraro for the foreseeable future at the big-league level, but they didn’t stop there. They’ve now turned their attention to the top of their minor league system, naming Patrick Osborn as the new manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers, their Triple-A affiliate.
Osborn steps into the role following the retirement of longtime skipper Mike Jirschele, becoming the 20th manager in Storm Chasers history. Royals fans may recognize the name - Osborn served as Omaha’s bench coach last season, giving him a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations and player development efforts already in place.
Before joining the Royals organization, Osborn spent significant time in the Yankees’ minor league system and also held roles with the Marlins and in independent ball. That mix of experience - from traditional pipelines to more unconventional stops - gives him a well-rounded perspective that should serve him well in nurturing the next wave of Royals talent.
And he won’t be doing it alone. Omaha is bringing back much of its 2025 coaching staff, ensuring continuity for a roster that will likely feature several players knocking on the big-league door. Pitching coach Dane Johnson, hitting coach Bijan Rademacher, assistant pitching coach David Lundquist, and assistant coach Tripp Keister are all returning in their respective roles.
That kind of staff stability is no small thing. In Triple-A, where rosters often churn and players are constantly adjusting to the demands of big-league readiness, having a consistent, trusted coaching group can be a major asset.
Nick Robertson Returns to Dodgers Organization on Minor League Deal
One of Omaha’s 2025 bullpen arms is on the move - or more accurately, heading back to where it all started. Right-hander Nick Robertson has agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as reported on Friday.
Robertson joined the Royals organization late last season after being released by the Astros in mid-August. He made nine appearances for the Storm Chasers, throwing 16.1 innings with a 4.41 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a .213 opponent batting average. Solid numbers, especially considering the late-season transition.
This won’t be Robertson’s first stint in Dodger blue. He was originally drafted by L.A. in the seventh round back in 2019 and made his MLB debut with the club in 2023, logging 10.1 innings.
Since then, he’s bounced around a bit, with brief big-league stops in Toronto, St. Louis, and Houston.
Now 27, Robertson is looking to re-establish himself in a familiar environment. The Dodgers have a track record of getting the most out of arms like his, and while this is a minor league deal, it’s the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward move that could pay off for both sides.
Samad Taylor DFA’d by Mariners, Could Be on the Move Again
Lastly, a name Royals fans will remember from a few seasons back is once again on the move. Samad Taylor, who saw time with Kansas City in 2023, was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
Taylor, a versatile second baseman and outfielder, has struggled to carve out a consistent role at the big-league level. Since debuting with the Royals in 2023, he’s made just seven MLB appearances over the past two seasons, spending most of his time in Triple-A with the Mariners organization.
Acquired by Kansas City in the 2022 trade that sent Whit Merrifield to Toronto, Taylor showed flashes of potential during his brief time with the Royals. In 31 games in 2023, he hit just .200 with a .546 OPS and a 50 wRC+, but he did manage to swipe eight bases - a reminder of the speed and athleticism that made him an intriguing piece in the first place.
Now 27, Taylor will be looking for his next opportunity. Whether that’s via waivers or a minor league deal, he’s the kind of player who could still offer value as a depth piece, especially for a team looking for versatility and speed off the bench.
Final Thoughts
While the Royals haven’t made the kind of splashy moves that dominate offseason headlines, the organization is quietly laying important groundwork. Promoting Patrick Osborn signals a commitment to internal development and continuity at the Triple-A level, while moves involving players like Nick Robertson and Samad Taylor remind us that the margins of the roster - both in the majors and minors - are always in motion.
These aren’t the stories that lead off SportsCenter, but they’re the ones that can shape a team’s depth, chemistry, and long-term outlook. And for a Royals team still building toward sustained success, every layer of the organization matters.