Royals sign Jackie Bradley Jr. to minor-league contract

The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to a minor-league contract, the team announced.

The 32-year-old Gold Glover and former All-Star slashed .203/.255/.311 with the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Bradley is a gifted defender, accumulating 74 defensive runs saved and making several highlight-reel plays throughout his career.

His shortcomings come at the plate, where he's posted a .692 OPS (84 OPS+) in 1,138 career games.

Bradley should provide the Royals with a veteran presence in center field after Kansas City dealt Michael A. Taylor to the Minnesota Twins in January.