Royals to add Giants hitting coach Mense to coaching staff (source)

The Kansas City Royals have reportedly agreed to hire Hunter Mense from the San Francisco Giants to join their coaching staff. Sources told MLB.com that Mense is slated to serve alongside Marcus Thames as co-hitting coach at the major league level, while Connor Dawson is expected to take over as offensive coordinator. The Royals have not officially confirmed the hire.

Former hitting coach Alec Zumwalt will transition to senior director of hitting performance to focus on the minor leagues after five seasons in the role. Mense previously served as an assistant hitting coach with the Blue Jays before working with the Giants in 2026. Kansas City is revamping its coaching staff after ranking 22nd in runs scored during the 2026 season.