Royals need to make this drastic change to save their season

The Kansas City Royals offense did not show up on Thursday, managing just five hits and one walk as they were shut out by the Rays, 4-0. 

Not only were the Royals shut out for the second consecutive game, that loss marked the 10th time they have been shut out this season. The Royals have scored just one run in 13 other games. It is not a surprise that Kansas City ranks last in the majors with 263 runs scored this season.

Changes have been made. Outfielder MJ Melendez, who had posted an atrocious .085/.173/.170 batting line in 52 plate appearances, was banished to Triple-A in mid-April. Top outfield prospect Jac Caglianone made his debut on June 3 and has yet to establish himself as the slugger the Royals need him to be. The likes of outfielders Drew Waters and John Rave, as well as utilityman Nick Loftin, have received playing time as the Royals desperately try to find something that works.

Established veterans are struggling as well. Catcher Salvador Perez is in the midst of his worst season offensively in his career. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been decent but has not developed as expected. The Royals have only three hitters with more than 15 plate appearances who have been above average this season as the lineup has hamstrung one of the best pitching staffs in the league.

Something needs to change in Kansas City. While the Royals should look to add another bat, or three, during the offseason, that does not change their disappointing performance offensively in 2025. 

It is time to take a long look at hitting coach Alec Zumwalt.

The fact that Zumwalt is a hitting coach is bizarre given his playing career. He began his time in the minors as an outfielder but was converted to the mound after three seasons; Zumwalt had just 39 more plate appearances over his next seven years as a player. He had also served as the Royals director of player development and hitting performance, potentially explaining why shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the few offensive success stories that the Royals developed.

After posting an 86-76 record en route to a playoff berth, the Royals had high expectations coming into 2025. A moribund performance offensively has torpedoed those hopes at the midway point of the year. If the Royals are going to make a run to the postseason, changes need to be made. And those changes need to begin with Zumwalt.