When the Kansas City Royals hired Connor Dawson as an assistant hitting coach this offseason, Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy wasn’t surprised.
Murphy knew it was Dawson’s dream job.
“Connor Dawson is a great young mind,” Murphy said at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. “He has a flair for understanding more than just the numbers. You know what I mean? He understands people and he loves Kansas City. He is diehard Kansas City everything.”
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Dawson, 32, is a Merriam native. His local roots run deep as he is a proud Olathe North High School alum. The Royals gave him a dream opportunity in November as he joined the club alongside Marcus Thames.
The duo will work alongside Alec Zumwalt in the hitting department. Zumwalt will lead the group while delegating more responsibility in 2026. This will allow Dawson — who helped the Brewers to the postseason — a chance to impart his voice in the clubhouse.
Dawson has been with the Brewers and Seattle Mariners. He joined the Brewers under Murphy after the 2021 season. Players quickly gravitated toward his coaching style and daily routines.
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It didn’t go unnoticed by Murphy. He expressed his gratitude for Dawson as he begins the latest chapter in his professional career.
“I think he’ll be impactful,” Murphy said. “You know, he’s been a part of a lot of young players. I know some of the Royals players well. You’ve got one of the best young players in the game in (Bobby) Witt Jr. You have other great players and leaders like Salvy (Salvador Perez). Connor will be a big impact.”
The Royals will count on Dawson to help improve an underperforming offense. Last season, KC scored 84 fewer runs than the previous campaign. It resulted in an 82-80 finish and missed playoff opportunity.
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This offseason, the Royals will attempt to find an impact bat. General manager J.J. Picollo has listened to trade offers and scoped the free-agent market. The club prefers an outfield bat to infuse the starting lineup but is willing to find the right fit.
Dawson is expected to bring a renewed focus to the hitting department. The Brewers thrived with Dawson in the clubhouse — posting a .735 OPS (on-base plus slugging) as a team.
The Royals will look to build their offense around Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez. However, Dawson could be a major boost to help Maikel Garcia continue to develop alongside young players Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone.
How the offense performs could determine if the Royals make a run at the American League Central and return to the postseason.