BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Brett to Join Royals’ Front Office

Kansas City Royal designated hitter George Brett is expected to officially announce his retirement in a news conference today and become the Royals’ vice president of baseball operations at the conclusion of the season.

Brett rejected a guaranteed salary of $3 million, according to a Kansas City source. Brett instead will earn an annual salary of about $225,000 a year for the next seven years as the Royals’ highest-paid club official.

Brett, 40, will report directly to General Manager Herk Robinson and be involved in trades and all facets of baseball operations. He will also be with the Royals in spring training and visit their minor league teams.