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KC Royals’ Matt Quatraro among finalists for American League Manager of the Year

jaylon thompson
·2 min read

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro was recognized for his work inside the clubhouse on Monday.

Quatraro, 50, was named a finalist for the 2024 American League Manager of the Year Award. He was selected alongside fellow AL Central managers AJ Hinch (Detroit Tigers) and Stephen Vogt (Cleveland Guardians).

The AL Manager of the Year recipient is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It is awarded to the top manager based on regular-season success.

The 2024 winner will be announced on Nov. 19.

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro chats with umpires Marvin Hudson, left, and Hunter Wendelstedt during Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro chats with umpires Marvin Hudson, left, and Hunter Wendelstedt during Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.

Quatraro guided the Royals to an 86-76 record in his second managerial season. The club also secured its first playoff berth since the 2015 campaign.

It was a remarkable turnaround for the Royals. KC became the third MLB team — joining the 2020 Miami Marlins and 2017 Minnesota Twins — to reach the postseason after a 100-loss campaign in the previous year.

Along the way, the Royals made strides in multiple areas.

KC starters posted a 3.55 ERA that ranked second in the American League. Meanwhile, the Royals finished with a positive run differential (plus-91) and sent four players to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

Each All-Star was recognized with postseason nominations. Bobby Witt Jr. and Seth Lugo won the 2024 AL Rawlings Gold Glove at their respective positions. Witt also joined Royals captain Salvador Perez as a Silver Slugger finalist.

Lugo and lefty Cole Ragans were first time All-Stars this season. On Monday, Lugo was recognized as a Cy Young Award finalist.

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (left) and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. look on from the dugout during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (left) and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. look on from the dugout during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

The All-Star group led the Royals in several categories. Additionally, two players reached 100-plus RBIs during the regular season.

In the postseason, Quatraro led the Royals past the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Divisional Series. He is looking to become the second Royals manager to win the AL Manager of the Year Award.

Former KC skipper Tony Peña was the first manager to win the award in franchise history. He received the honor in 2003 after leading the club to a 83-79 record.