The Quad Cities River Bandits, in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals, have announced their 2025 coaching staff, led by Manager Jesus Azuaje.
The skipper is joined by: Derrick Lewis, pitching coach; Ryan Powers, hitting coach; Clayton Mortensen and Kyle MacKinnon, assistant hitting coaches; Chad Gravenorst, strength and conditioning coach; and Nevan Dominguez, athletic trainer .
Coach Azuaje enters his 11th season – third managerial – in the Royals’ organization and takes the reins in Davenport after managing the Columbia Fireflies (Single-A) to a 68-63 record in 2024 and the ACL Royals (Rookie) to a 31-25 record in 2023. He spent the previous eight seasons serving as hitting coach in Burlington (2015-2016), Lexington (2017-2020), and Columbia (2021-2022).
Prior to joining the Royals, Mr. Azuaje spent six seasons as a manager and coach in the Seattle Mariners organization, including a stint in the Midwest League as hitting coach for Clinton (Single-A) in 2009, and as Latin America field coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014.
The 52-year-old supersedes Brooks Conrad, who managed the River Bandits over the past three seasons, including a second-half west division title in 2024.
The 2025 Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport.
