Monarchs Announce 2026 Coaching and Support Staff

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Kansas City, KS — Two coaches with vast American Association experience will be joining the Kansas City Monarchs for the 2026 campaign.  Manager Joe Calfapietra, who is starting his 9th season managing the Monarchs and 26th managerial season overall made the announcements earlier today.

Kenny Hook is returning to Kansas City, Kansas after previously managing the Kansas City T-Bones in 2012 and 2013. The Kansas City native most recently served as the Durham Bulls Hitting Coach, the AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays for the past three seasons. Hook also managed the Spokane Indians in the Northwest League in 2019.

“We are very happy to have Kenny back at Legends Field!” said Calfapietra.  “He brings several assets to the organization. We are looking forward to his contributions to our team. Kenny is a very talented hitting coach and is known throughout baseball – this is a significant addition for us” continued Calfapietra.

Hook played collegiately at Crowder College and Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Previous coaching stops for Hook include Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Missouri and hitting coach and managing positions in the Texas Rangers farm system.

In addition, Calfapietra announced that former Chicago Dogs Manager, Matt Passerelle will be joining the Monarchs. Passerelle led the Dogs to a regular season second place finish in the East Division, advancing to the East Division Championship by sweeping the Division Champion Lake Country Dockhounds before losing to the eventual Champion Kane County Cougars last September.

“Matt has been with a couple of ballclubs in the American Association for a number of years and knows the league and players in the league” added Calfapietra.  “He has a work ethic that is second to none and it fits in great with our coaching staff for several reasons. We are very happy to have him here for the 2026 season.

Passerelle also served as a member of the Kane County Cougars coaching staff in 2022, 2023 and 2024. He also worked in the American Association as the Sioux City Explorers hitting coach from 2015 to 2019 and the Milwaukee Milkmen in 2020 and 2021. He has also been a scout for the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals organizations.

The Monarchs welcome back Equipment Manager and Coach John West and Clubhouse Manager Dyllan West.

“We can’t wait to get started” indicated Calfapietra. “This is a very strong staff, they will work well together.”

This staff will join returning Pitching Coach Matt Hall announced January 9th for 2026 Training Camp on May 1 at Legends Field.

The four-time league champion Monarchs will open their 2026 season on May 15 at Kane County with Opening Night at Legends Field being Tuesday May 19 at 6:35 p.m. versus the Chicago Dogs. To view the full schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule. Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now.

Monarchs Add Catcher to Roster

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Kansas City, KS — The Kansas City Monarchs signed an experienced AAA catcher early this week in Brady Lindsly.  The 6’1” left-handed hitting catcher was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 4th round of the 2020 June Amateur Draft out of the University of Oklahoma.

9th year Kansas City Manager Joe Calfapietra described Lindsly – “We feel we are not getting only a very good baseball player, but an exceptional human being.  Brady is going to bring experience in leadership and his AA ability to the 2026 Kansas City Monarchs.”

He played the last two seasons for the AAA affiliate of the Nationals in the Red Wings in Rochester, New York. He was released by the Red Wings on March 12. Lindsly was invited to Nationals 2024 Major League spring training camp as a non-roster invitee.

The 28-year-old Lindsly shared his thoughts on playing for the Monarchs – “My family and I are very excited to join the KC Monarchs family. I spent 3 years in Overland Park when I was younger and had such a great experience in youth baseball and being part of the KC community. Coming back to the Kansas City area is such a privilege. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team and play for Joe. He has made this a very important decision easy for me.”

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Jhailyn Ortiz Returns to Kansas City

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Kansas City, KS — Hard hitting first baseman and outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz has rejoined the Kansas City Monarchs for the 2026 season. Ortiz, 27 was in his second season with Kansas City, when his contract was transferred to Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League early in 2025.  Born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic the right-handed hitter hit three home runs and four doubles in 22 games with the Monarchs in 2025 before going to Monclova.

“Ortiz is a great addition to our club – he knows the Monarchs, he knows Legends Field.  He brings a lot to our team” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said.

Ortiz spent seven seasons in the Phillies’ system, two of which netted league All-Star honors. He also played in big-league spring training for four straight seasons, most recently in 2023. Ortiz was a top international signing – ranked the Phillies’ No. 7 prospect in 2018 by Baseball America.

In his first season with the Monarchs in 2024 Ortiz had a .342 batting average and .935 OPS over 21 games with 4 home runs and 12 RBI in 21 games.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Monarchs Sign Pembroke Hill Star Marcus Smith

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Kansas City, KS — Local Kansas City, Kansas left-handed hitting outfielder Marcus Smith is set to join the Kansas City Monarchs for the 2026 season. Drafted out of The Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri in the 3rd round of the 2019 Major League baseball Amateur Draft by the Oakland Athletics the 25-year-old is very happy to play in his hometown.

When contacted Smith said “I am excited to be playing with a new bunch of guys in Kansas City.  I grew up and still call home 10 minutes from Legends Field. I love the opportunity to play in a community that me and my family have so many ties to. It is a great environment, and I get to experience it for myself.”

Smith added “It is a privilege playing for the Kansas City Monarchs – the history of the Monarchs stands for itself. I trust Joe – this is a very new experience for me. I really appreciate his communication style. Can’t wait to get started!”

Smith had committed to play college baseball for the University of Michigan but chose to sign a professional contract after high school.  Smith graduated from Pembroke Hill School as their all-time leader in hits (112), runs (112), RBI (79), triples (12), and home runs (13).  On September 18, 2020, Smith and Dustin Harris were traded to the Texas Rangers as the Players to Be Named Later in the Mike Minor trade. 

Manager Joe Calfapietra said when asked about Marcus Smith said “We are pleased to have Marcus part of the organization. His skill set and ability level are going to be something our fans are going to want to see.”

Smith spent the 2025 season with three Texas Ranger affiliates – Hub City (High A in the South Atlantic League), Frisco (AA in the Texas League) and Round Rock (AAA in the Pacific Coast League).  Played in 88 games / hit 9 home runs / 30 RBI / 9 stolen bases / and hit .178.  Smith played all three outfield positions at all the affiliate clubs.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Groome Signs With Monarchs

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Kansas City, KS — Standing in at 6’ 6” left-handed pitcher Jay Groome has spent seven seasons in the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres organizations and is now ready to restart his pitching career with the Kansas City Monarchs. Groome was the 12th overall selection out of Barnegat High School (New Jersey) and labeled a top prospect in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the Red Sox.  The 27-year-old was signed by the Monarchs off the Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League roster.

Monarchs’ 9th season Manager Joe Calfapietra said “We are excited to have Jay join our staff.  He is an experienced pitcher that we are very happy to have in our rotation.  He is going to bring both experience and leadership to our 2026 Kansas City Monarchs club.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Groome was ranked by Baseball America as the Red Sox number six prospect and added to the Red Sox 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.  He spent the 2021 season making 21 starts for Greenville (A) and Portland (AA) – his record was 5-8 with a 4.81 ERA in 97 plus innings. He struck out 134 in 2021.

On August 2, 2022, Groome was traded to the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster for Eric Hosmer, Max Ferguson, Corey Rosier and cash. The Padres placed Groom on the AAA El Paso Chihuahuas where he made 10 starts – going 3-2 with a 3.16 ERA and 44 strikeouts.  Groome stayed with El Paso to start the 2023 season after being one of the final cuts from the big-league Padres.  Groome was 4-10 in 2023 over 30 starts.  Groome was ranked as the Padres number nine prospect that season.  He also started the 2024 season with the Chihuahuas, starting 3 games.  He pitched in the Puerto Rican Winter League before signing with Caliente de Durango.

“I heard it is the place to be from Monarchs players and visiting team players,” said Jay Goome.  “It really comes down to the person Joe Calfapietra is.  We have had constant conversations about the pitcher I am and the pitcher I can be” added Groom, “It all comes down to timing and skill – looking forward to pitching for the Monarchs”

At just 27 years old, Groome has time to get to the major leagues and make his MLB debut on the mound soon.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Monarchs Sign Free Agent Outfielder Eden and Catcher Mack

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Kansas City, KS — On Wednesday Joe Calfapietra and the Kansas City Monarchs announced the signing of former Toronto Blue Jay outfielder Cam Eden and 26-year-old left-handed hitting catcher Charles Mack.

Eden, from Yuba City, California has a career batting average of .236 with 153 stolen bases in the minor leagues.  The Toronto Blue Jays selected Eden in the sixth round of the 2019 Major League Baseball first year player draft from the University of California at Berkeley who later made his Major League debut with Toronto in 2023 appearing in five games with the club. Over five minor league seasons in the Blue Jays organization (2019, ’21-24), Eden has hit .236 (330-for-1,399) with 212R, 64 doubles, 7 triples, 27HR, 166RBI, 158BB and 153SB in 420 games.

“I am very excited to play in a great stadium in a great city with an amazing environment” said Eden from his home in California.  “I am very proud to be able to wear a Kansas City Monarchs jersey – it is an honor.  The history of the Monarchs is very important to me.”

Eden began the 2024 campaign with Buffalo, playing in 91 games and hitting .198 with seven home runs, 35 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. On August 9, 2024, the Blue Jays traded Eden to the New York Yankees for cash. He made 23 appearances down the stretch for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, hitting .231 with a home run, three RBI, and seven stolen bases.

Eden split the 2025 season between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Yankees, Single-A Tampa Tarpons and Double-A Somerset Patriots, batting a cumulative .220/.287/.325 with one home run, 13 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Monarchs 9th year Manager Joe Calfapietra was enthusiastic when describing Cam Eden – “He is a former Major League player who has the ability to produce and produce with power and speed. He will be a solid addition to the roster.”

In additional roster news, catcher Charles Mack was added to the Monarchs roster. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the 2018 MLB June amateur draft out of Williamsville East High School in East Amherst, New York.  Mack spent the majority of the 2025 season with the Washington (PA) Wild Things in the Frontier League under Manager Tom Vaeth.   He appeared in 15 games with 5 runs batted in.

Calfapietra said Mack “Has a defensive presence behind the plate.  There is some untapped offensive ability there too – we are looking forward to having him as a Monarch.”

Mack was a 2010 National Pitch Hit N Run Champion as a youngster and a 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year in High School.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

Former Lee’s Summit North Pitcher to the Monarchs

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Kansas City, KS — Nate Webb, a 28-year-old local pitcher from Lee’s Summit has joined the Monarchs for the 2026 season. Webb was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 34th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft out of Lee’s Summit North High School and was on the Royals 40-man roster in 2021.

“Nate is a big signing for the ballclub – we are very excited to have him in Kansas City said veteran Monarchs Manager Joe Calfapietra. “To have another AAA pitcher in our bullpen is significant. With his experience, I am sure that it will add great depth to the already experienced pen” added Calfapietra.

Webb pitched for two Baltimore Oriole affiliates last season after starting Spring Training as a non-roster invite to camp. He started 2025 with the AAA Norfolk Tides and then split time at AA Chesapeake Baysox in the Eastern League and Norfolk.  With the Tides he was 0 – 1 with a 4.33 ERA in 16 games and 27 innings. At the Baysox, Webb pitched in 12 games / 17 innings with a 5.29 ERA with 1 win and 1 loss showing off an east/west slider. Webb has also pitched for the Royals affiliates at Omaha and Northwest Arkansas.

“It is amazing I will be back at the ballpark – I used to go to the T-Bones games with my grandparents and sit above that huge left field wall” said Webb yesterday. Webb continued “We trust Joe Calfapietra and the Kansas City Monarchs to get me back to affiliate baseball – they have a proven track record of that for sure.”

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Josh Bortka Returns to Kansas City

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Kansas City, KS — Kansas City has announced the resigning of hard-throwing Monarchs right-hander Josh Bortka for the 2026 season.  The 26-year-old made one appearance with the Monarchs early in the 2025 season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings and striking out two before his contract was transferred to the Minnesota Twins organization.  While with the Fort Myers Mighty Muscles, Bortka threw 12.1 innings over 12 games with a record of 1 win and 2 losses before returning to the Kansas City Monarchs and Legends Field.

After returning to the Monarchs, for the remainder of the 2025 Monarchs season Bortka appeared in 12 games, was 1-2 and one save closing out 7 games for Kansas City – striking out 16 hitters over 14 innings.

“We are all very excited to have Josh Bortka back” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He’s an outstanding pitcher who is very loyal to the organization.  We feel that Josh will get a second chance to sign with a Major League organization – a chance that very few players receive.”

Bortka graduated from local Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He pitched at Cowley College and Metropolitan Community College before finishing his collegiate career at Central Missouri in 2022. “I am stoked to be back home in KC playing for Joe and the Monarchs.  It is the best place for me to develop and reach my goals, and I’m looking forward to grow, compete and win with a great group of people.  Go Monarchs!” said the excited Kansas City native.

Bortka made his pro debut with the State College Spikes of the Major League Baseball Draft League in 2022 before signing with the Phillies organization later that season. He reached Single-A with the Phillies in 2022, 2023 and 2024, posting a 4.95 ERA across 56 affiliated games.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Monarchs Sign Another to Training Camp

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KANSAS CITY, KS — The Kansas City Monarchs have added former Seattle Mariner infield and outfield prospect Kaden Polcovich to the 2026 roster. The 27 year old, switch hitting Polcovich was drafted in the third round of the 2020 Major League Baseball draft by the Seattle Mariners. He attended Northwest Florida State College and Oklahoma State University.

The Monarchs Manager – Joe Calfapietra noted that Kayden “is an experienced position player that is going to be able to provide energy to the offense both with the bat and on the base paths.”

Polcovich’s father Kevin is a former utility infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1990’s.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

Monarchs Sign Another Multi-Position Player

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Kansas City, KS — The Kansas City Monarchs have added another multi-position outfielder to the 2026 roster in Oklahoma native Trevor Boone.

Monarchs Manager Joe Calfapietra reflected on the 28-year-old Boone and said “We are really excited about Trevor’s power and speed.  We feel that Trevor is a guy who can get back with a Major League organization very quickly.  He is another great guy in our Clubhouse.”

Boone played 38 games in 2025 with Colorado Rockies AAA affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes slugging 8 home runs and had 26 runs batted in.  He played all three outfield positions and started two games at first base.

A two-sport athlete out of high school, Boone decided to focus on baseball at Oklahoma State and found his true calling. He enjoyed a great three-year career with the Cowboys before being selected in the 18th round of 2019 Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies.

In 2023, Boone got close to getting to the big leagues – but his journey was not a direct path.  After starting the season in extended Spring Training, he was assigned to finish the season with Triple-A Albuquerque. In 42 games with the Isotopes he hit .238.  Then in 2024 he logged time back at Spokane, then AA Hartford and back at Albuquerque.

The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/

About the Kansas City Monarchs:

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.