Royals fire Dayton Moore as president of baseball operations

Dayton Moore, the architect of the 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals but serving as the team’s administrator after a sixth straight loss, has been relieved of his role as president of baseball operations. Royals owner John Sherman announced his dismissal at a Wednesday afternoon news conference, possibly the first in a series of sweeping changes to the franchise that will fall far short of expectations in 2022.

“Dayton resurrected this team. It’s not a good place,” Sherman said Wednesday. “Today I want to make sure that what I feel is gratitude.”

Moore has been in charge of the Royals since 2006. His longtime lieutenant, JJ Piccolo, takes over as general manager at the end of the 2021 season. Sherman said Wednesday that Piccolo will take over baseball operations.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” Moore told The Athletic. “I’m proud of our culture and what we’ve accomplished in Kansas City. I’m disappointed we didn’t see it through. But I have confidence in John Sherman, JJ Piccolo and the entire baseball operations department to get it done. “

Moore’s era will end with clubs with fascinating talent, like 22-year-old shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., but struggling at the major league level. With the Royals exercising their 2023 option on March 31 and the fate of head coach Mike Massini in doubt, Sherman said any decision on Massini’s future would be left to Piccolo. The Royals entered 22 games on Wednesday with the No. 1 spot in the AL Central.