Royals hiring pitching assistant from elite college program signals step forward

Kansas City Royals v Baltimore Orioles | G Fiume/GettyImagesThe Kansas City Royals are coming off a season, that although disappointing overall, did feature numerous brights spots. And none were brighter than the work of the pitching of staff, especially the starting rotation.

Brian Sweeney and his crew helped build up this entire pitching unit to post the sixth lowest ERA in baseball last season at 3.73, with FIP, WHIP, BAA and BB% sitting comfortably within the top half of the league.

However, one of the key names behind such success, one of Sweeney's right-hand men, will not be back in the fold for 2026, after assistant hitting coach Zach Bove left to take over the White Sox's pitching…