The Ned Yost 2017 end-of-the-year approval poll

Ned Yost made clear he is returning for the 2018 season, so what do you think? Next year will be Ned’s ninth season in Kansas City, with over 600 wins, two pennants, and a championship. The Royals have the third-most wins in the American League over the last five years, but the last two ended in disappointing fashion with no post-season.

Ned still has some obvious flaws. He plays Alcides Escobar everyday, despite Esky being one of the worst hitters in baseball. He hit Mike Moustakas sixth every day, even though Moose is among the league leaders in home runs. He has been criticized for leaving starting pitchers in too long. His bullpen usage has been questioned, particularly for being too loyal to Kelvin Herrera and Joakim Soria despite some struggles.

On the other hand, many of the problems this year are on the players. The offense was dreadful in April - not much Ned could have done about that. They expected guys like Soria, Herrera, and Matt Strahm to be dominant relievers, and they all had some issues this year with little Yost could do about it. The starting pitching was just dreadful in the second half, and not all of that was due to being in the game too long.

The Royals may or may not do a full rebuild this winter, but it is clear they will go with younger players, relying on guys like Jorge Bonifacio, Cheslor Cuthbert, Jake Junis, Jorge Soler, and Raúl Mondesí. Is Ned Yost the man to lead the Royals in a rebuild? Consider he did oversee rebuilds in both Milwaukee and Kansas City before. But will he want to stick around to see it through, and if not, should the Royals get someone who will?

Ned Yost has been praised for his leadership and loyalty to players, but will that continue to work with a new crop of players? If Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Lorenzo Cain leave, will Ned have the same kind of clubhouse dynamic?

The Royals question is uncertain. Ned Yost could bring some certainty with his steady leadership. He has a championship ring and gravitas now, and has been around the block once or twice.

Or he could be past his prime, and the wrong man to lead the next generation of Royals players. Loyalty is great, but it can be a double-edged sword. Sticking with personnel too long is what doomed the Royals to poor play from Omar Infante, Chris Young, Jeremy Guthrie, and others.

Do you approve of the job Ned Yost did this year? Is he the right man for the job in 2018?

See the 2016 End of the Year Ned Yost approval poll.