MINNEAPOLIS -- Kirby Puckett, who faces a trial on charges he groped a woman at a restaurant, will have a new role with the Minnesota Twins now that his current contract has expired, team President Dave St. Peter said Tuesday.

The Hall of Fame centerfielder served as executive vice president of baseball from 1996, when he retired, until his contract expired Sunday.

St. Peter said Puckett's legal troubles had nothing to do with his changing role with the Twins.

The team hopes to reach a new agreement with Puckett by the end of the month. Puckett's role would probably be similar to those of former Twins Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew, who help during spring training, visit the franchise's minor league teams and appear at promotional functions, St. Peter said.

Puckett faces a Feb. 24 trial in Hennepin County District Court on charges that he dragged a woman into the restroom of an Eden Prairie restaurant and groped her. He is charged with false imprisonment, a felony, and fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Puckett could not be immediately reached to comment.