Rusty Kuntz has spent the last two offseasons trying to convince his superiors to let him take on a new role.
Kuntz, the Royals’ long-time first-base coach, would be fine taking on a roving-instructor role that would allow him to teach throughout the organization’s minor-league system. At age 62, he could do without the grind of major-league travel. A master of base running and outfield defense, Kuntz enjoys teaching above all.
But each winter, Royals manager Ned Yost and general manager Dayton Moore have offered the same response: You’re coming back.
Kuntz laughs at the stories.