Royals manager Matheny’s 2021 coaching staff adds Kuntz, Peña Jr.

Welcome back, Rusty Kuntz and Tony Peña Jr.

Kuntz, a popular member of the Kansas City Royals organization since 2008, is on manager Mike Matheny’s staff in the familiar role of first base coach for 2021. He and Peña Jr., designated as a major league coach, are the “new guys” on manager Mike Matheny’s 2021 coaching staff.

Retaining their roles from last season are Terry Bradshaw (hitting), Larry Carter (bullpen), Cal Eldred (pitching), Pedro Grifol (bench), John Mabry (major league coach) and Vance Wilson (third base).

Rafael Belliard (infield coach in 2020) and Damon Hollins (first base coach season) will return to their previous roles in the organization, Belliard as special assistant to the general manager and Hollins as minor league instructor.

Peña Jr. was slated to be Triple-A Omaha’s bench coach and the manager at Burlington (Rookie) last season before the minor league season was canceled. He previously managed Surprise (Rookie) from 2018-19. This will be his first year on the big league staff. His father, Tony Peña Sr., managed the Royals from 2002-05, and Peña Jr. played for the Royals from 2007-09.

Kuntz opted out of coaching last season because of the coronavirus pandemic. This will be his third stint as first base coach, having done the job previously from 2008-10 and 2012-17. Kuntz also was a special assistant to the general manager/quality control from 2018-20 and the the minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator from 2010-12.