Jim Fregosi, Jr., a special assistant in the Kansas City Royals' front office and a son of the longtime Major League manager, has died at 57.

He spent 17 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies as an area scout, a scouting cross-checker and Major League scout over two stints around working with the Colorado Rockies in 1999 and 2000. He joined the Royals after the 2011 season.

"Jimmy was an amazing baseball man who had a passion and love for this game," Royals president Dayton Moore said in a statement.

"His desire to compete, his strong conviction and keen eye for players separated him as an evaluator. But above all, he was our friend."