The Omaha Storm Chasers will have a new voice<\/a> in the clubhouse heading into the 2026 campaign. On Friday, the Storm Chasers named Patrick Osborn the 20th manager in the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Osborn will take over for longtime manager Mike Jirschele. He served as the bench coach under Jirschele last season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been in the game for a decent amount of time and I understand that this job, specifically, doesn\u2019t come open often, especially to someone that is only in their second year within the organization,\u201d Osborn said. \u201cAnd so, when it did come to fruition, (I was) just very grateful, humbled and appreciative. I have to thank Jirsh as he had something to do with this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate for the Kansas City Royals. Many Royals players have traveled through Omaha before reaching the majors. Now, Osborn will work in conjunction with Royals manager Matt Quatraro and the front office.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He is looking forward to the challenge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTaking over for (Jirschele), the history doesn\u2019t bode well for the coach or the manager that takes over for the legend,\u201d Osborn said. \u201cBut I\u2019m honored to follow him. He\u2019s an icon in the organization and he\u2019s done so much for people individually and the Royals. I\u2019m sure he and I will be in touch throughout the year.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jirschele retired after the 2025 season<\/a>. He spent 38 years in the Royals organization while managing 17 seasons in Omaha. The Royals retained the majority of his staff under Osborn heading into 2026.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Osborn believes continuity will be important. He plans to have open communication with the returning players, staff and front-office personnel in his new role.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe relationship with both the players and the staff, I think, will be paramount in terms of just giving ourselves the best chance to succeed on the field and off,\u201d Osborn said. \u201cYou know, there are a lot of difficult conversations that are had at this level. When relationships have been built, and there\u2019s some depth in those relationships, I feel those difficult conversations are easy and more impactful. I think that opportunity last year turned into this opportunity this year, and I couldn\u2019t have planned it any better. There is familiarity and I\u2019m comfortable. I know what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Storm Chasers finished 62-86 last season. The club dealt with an influx of change as several players traveled throughout the system. Top prospects Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen made their MLB debuts<\/a>. Meanwhile, the club shuffled young players such as John Rave, Nick Loftin and Steven Cruz between both levels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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