The Kansas City Royals had qualified candidates to become their next manager already within the organization, including one hired by the Chicago White Sox just this week.

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 file photo, Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates with third base coach Vance Wilson after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Royals have given six-time All-Star catcher Salvador Prez the richest contract in club history, a four-year, $82 million deal that begins in 2022. Kansas City announced Sunday, March 21, 2021 it had extended Prez's time with the team. That's when the Royals gave the six-time All-Star catcher a four-year, $82 million deal — the richest in club history — that will begin after his current contract in 2022. The value of the new deal surpasses the four-year, $72 million contract the Royals gave outfielder Alex Gordon in 2016.