Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman said he feels good about the team’s direction but remains unsatisfied after finishing 82-80 and missing the postseason. Speaking with MLB.com, Sherman expressed confidence in general manager J.J. Picollo and manager Matt Quatraro, crediting both for their leadership and attention to improvement.

The Royals plan to revamp their hitting department after scoring 84 fewer runs than in 2024. Sherman said the team’s payroll, around $138 million in 2025, is “in a good spot” and comparable to sustainable mid-market models like Milwaukee’s. He emphasized balancing veteran contracts with younger, lower-salary players.

Kansas City has six players on guaranteed deals for 2026 and 16 eligible for arbitration, including Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia. Sherman also confirmed interest in keeping Salvador Perez beyond next season, calling the veteran catcher “a Hall of Famer” and a key part of the franchise’s identity.