Ned Yost to retire at the end of the season

The Royals have announced that Ned Yost will retire at the end of the season after ten years with the Kansas City Royals. The 64-year old Yost has managed the club since 2010, taking over on May 13 following the firing of Trey Hillman. The Royals improved each season under his tenure until 2015, when they win 95 games and won their second consecutive pennant and the second championship in club history. With one week to go this season, Yost has won 744 games and lost 836 for a .471 winning percentage. He has the most wins in franchise history.

Yost took over the Royals after a stint with the Brewers, where he took over a young team and steered them into contention. Yost lasted six years in Milwaukee, winning 47 percent of his games. His Brewers were on their way to the post-season in 200 when Yost was fired with just two weeks go in a stunning development. The Royals hired Yost as a special advisor in January of 2010 and he became their manager a few months later.

Yost has been crticized for his emphasis on small ball and his bullpen management, but his steady hand in the clubhouse helped create an environment that allowed a young Royals nucleus with Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, and Salvador Perez develop into contenders.

The Royals have not announced a successor, although Yost has hinted he would prefer his replacement come from the organization.

The Royals are said to prefer a candidate with managerial experience. The Royals hired former Cardinals manager Mike Matheny last year as a special advisor, although he carries some baggage from his time in St. Louis. Bob Nightengale of USA Today is already reporting Matheny will get the job. Other potential internal candidates could include bench coach Dale Sveum, third base coach Mike Jirschele, catching/quality control coach Pedro Grifol, bullpen coach Vance Wilson, and special advisor Jason Kendall.

Overall Yost has won 1,201 games as a big league manager, 45th-most in baseball history. His .710 post-season winning percentage is the highest in baseball history.