Dayton Moore

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Moore's journey to Kansas City began with his hiring on June 8, 2006, replacing Allard Baird. His strategy relied heavily on trades that built a foundation for future success, most notably the August 31, 2009 deal sending Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain. Another pivotal move occurred in 2012 when he traded Wil Myers to the Tampa Bay Rays for James Shields and Wade Davis; while Shields departed in free agency after 2014, both players were crucial to the team's World Series runs. The strategy paid off as the Royals posted their best record since 1994 in 2013, leading to consecutive World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015. Moore was awarded the league Best Executive Award following the 2015 season. His tenure ended with his dismissal in September 2022 after a stretch without a winning season since 2015.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere shifted dramatically on August 31, 2009, when Moore made the bold decision to trade Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke. While controversial at the time, this move was viewed as essential for acquiring young talent like Escobar and Cain. By late 2013, the Royals had their best record since 1994, setting the stage for a historic run. In June 2018, Moore faced significant backlash for his comments regarding Oregon State University pitching prospect Luke Heimlich, stating, "I think the player has earned the opportunity to play professional baseball." The narrative of his leadership took another turn in September 2021 when he was promoted to president of baseball operations, with J. J. Picollo named general manager. However, as the team faltered to a 59-89 record by September 2022, owner John Sherman dismissed Moore, ending an era that began in 2006.

Reader's Guide

Moore's approach emphasized scouting and player development over expensive free agency signings. He extended his contract through 2014 in August 2009 and again through 2016 following the 2013 season success. His philosophy was tested when he traded key veterans like Greinke to rebuild the roster with homegrown talent. This method culminated in the 2015 World Series victory, where Moore's leadership earned him the Best Executive Award. After the championship, he signed another extension but faced challenges as the core aged. In late 2019, new owner John Sherman retained Moore as general manager before promoting him to president of baseball operations in September 2021. The organization eventually moved on from his leadership in September 2022 due to prolonged losing seasons.

Did You Know?

• Moore claims to have watched the 1985 World Series from Interstate 70 while a childhood Royals fan.
• He traded Zack Greinke, a former Cy Young Award winner for the Royals, in exchange for Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain.
• Moore was dismissed by owner John Sherman when the Royals were 59-89 on the year in September 2022.
• His son Robert was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft after playing for the University of Arkansas.