Jerry Grote, the longtime New York Mets catcher and part of their 1969 World Series championship team, died Sunday because of respiratory failure after a heart procedure in Austin, Texas, his family announced. He was 81.

Grote, known especially for his defense, played 16 seasons, 12 for the Mets, before serving as the backup catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977-78. In 1981, his final year in the majors, he played in 22 games for the Kansas City Royals and two for the Dodgers.

Former All-Star outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. has signed with the independent Long Island Ducks as he attempts to make a comeback to Major League Baseball.

Bradley, 33, played for the Boston Red Sox from 2013-18. He was an All-Star in 2016, won a Gold Glove in 2018 and played 144 games that season when the Red Sox won the World Series. He was the MVP of the 2018 American League Championship Series.

The Royals have improved their catching depth, signing catcher Austin Nola to a one-year deal on Friday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nola, 34, was released by the Brewers on Thursday to make room for Gary Sánchez, and the Royals moved quickly to bring in the veteran receiver.

Eric Hosmer, who helped the Kansas City Royals win the 2015 World Series, announced his retirement Wednesday.

Hosmer, 34, made the announcement on social media while promoting his new media company, saying "the playing days are unfortunately over but I'm committed to giving back to the baseball community."

The Royals have been looking for ways to strengthen their bullpen all offseason, and they didn’t stop when the offseason ended and Spring Training began.

On Saturday, they swung a trade for Red Sox right-hander John Schreiber while sending their No. 19 prospect David Sandlin to Boston.

The Kansas City Royals intend to build their new downtown ballpark blocks away from T-Mobile Center and the Power & Light District, scrapping two concepts elsewhere in the city for a place that puts the stadium closer to existing entertainment areas.

The Royals revealed plans for the $2 billion-plus ballpark project Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium.

The new ballpark -- located in "the heart of Kansas City," per an X post from the club -- will seat about 34,000 fans, or roughly 3,000 fewer than Kauffman Stadium, and the Royals are hopeful it would be ready for the 2028 season. 

The Kansas City Royals are set to reveal plans for a new stadium in Kansas City’s Crossroads District on Tuesday, according to reports.

"Important details about this transformative project will be shared including renderings, economic data, and progress towards lease and community benefits agreement," the club said.

The Royals' current home, Kauffman Stadium, was opened in 1973. It's the sixth-oldest park in baseball.

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension, sources told ESPN, a staggering guarantee that will keep the young star in Kansas City as the Royals attempt to build a team -- and a new stadium -- with him at the center.

The Seattle Mariners acquired infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for a player to be named or cash.

Taylor made his major league debut last season, appearing in 31 games for the Royals. He hit .200 with 11 runs scored and eight stolen bases in 31 games.

The Kansas City Royals and utility man Adam Frazier have agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract to provide the club with a left-handed bat and some versatility in the lineup, according to multiple reports.

Frazier will make $2 million this season with an $8.5 million mutual option for next season and a $2.5 million buyout, according to reports. The deal is pending a physical.