On April 9, 2025, the Kansas City Royals suffered a devastating 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, a defeat that has sent shockwaves through the organization and its fanbase. The blowout, which saw the Royals shut out while the Twins racked up 14 hits, marked a low point in an already turbulent season. In the wake of this humiliation, Royals owner John Sherman has reportedly issued a “final order” to head coach Matt Quatraro, demanding immediate improvements or face severe consequences, according to sources close to the team.

The Royals, who entered the 2025 season with high hopes after a surprising playoff run in 2024, have struggled early, now sitting at 5-8. Last season, under Quatraro’s leadership, the team went from a 56-106 record in 2023 to a 2024 playoff berth, sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round before falling to the New York Yankees in the ALDS. That turnaround, fueled by key signings like pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, had raised expectations. But the Twins loss exposed glaring weaknesses: the Royals’ offense managed just 3 hits, while their pitching staff, led by starter Cole Ragans, imploded, allowing 6 runs in the first three innings alone. The bullpen fared no better, with reliever James McArthur surrendering a grand slam to Byron Buxton in the seventh.

Sherman, who purchased the Royals in 2019 for over $1 billion, has been vocal about his desire to build a sustainable winner in Kansas City. His decision to bring in Quatraro in 2022, a hire praised for its focus on analytics and innovation, was seen as a step toward that goal. Quatraro, previously the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, had a reputation for fostering winning cultures in small-market teams. But after this latest debacle, Sherman’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Sources say the “final order” delivered in a tense post-game meeting included a clear ultimatum: turn the team’s performance around within the next 10 games, or Quatraro’s job could be on the line.

Fans on X were quick to react, with many expressing frustration over the team’s regression. “We went from 100 losses to the playoffs, and now this? Quatraro needs to go!” one user posted. Others pointed fingers at Sherman, arguing that his aggressive push for a new stadium—potentially leaving Kauffman Stadium by 2030—has distracted the organization from on-field priorities. The Royals’ early season struggles, including a 4.56 team ERA (25th in MLB) and a .230 batting average (22nd), have only fueled the discontent.

Quatraro, for his part, remained defiant in his post-game press conference. “We got outplayed tonight, plain and simple,” he said. “But I believe in this group. We’ve been here before, and we’ll fight our way out.” He acknowledged Sherman’s directive, adding, “I understand the expectations. We’ll get to work.” The Royals face the Chicago White Sox next on April 11, a series that now carries immense pressure. For Quatraro, it’s a chance to prove he can still lead this team. For Sherman, it’s a test of whether his vision for the Royals can withstand another season of disappointment.