Blue Jays trade Morales to Athletics
The Toronto Blue Jays traded veteran designated hitter Kendrys Morales and cash considerations to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday for minor-league infielder Jesus Lopez and international signing bonus space, the teams announced.
Toronto is getting $1 million in bonus pool money, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
Morales is expected to play first base for the Athletics while Matt Olson recovers from hand surgery, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The 35-year-old Cuban has worked almost exclusively as a DH since 2012 and made just 30 appearances as a first baseman over the last two seasons combined. However, Athletics general manager David Forst told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that Morales "really enjoys playing first base" and is looking forward to donning a trapper's mitt in Oakland.
To open a 40-man roster spot for Morales, Oakland moved pitcher Jharel Cotton to the 60-day disabled list. Infielder Franklin Barreto is likely to be optioned to Triple-A once Morales is activated, per Slusser.
Morales, who won the 2015 Edgar Martinez DH of the Year award, spent the last two campaigns in Toronto and is in the final season of a three-year, $33-million contract. The Blue Jays are covering more than $10 million of his $12-million salary this year, a source told Slusser.
Last year, the switch-hitter slashed .249/.331/.438 (112 OPS+) with 21 homers, 57 RBIs, and 50 walks to 95 strikeouts over 130 games.
Although his production did not lead to on-field success for the Blue Jays, Morales was looked upon as a clubhouse leader and mentor to many of the team's young Latin American players. Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar and Opening Day starter Marcus Stroman both shouted out their former teammate after the trade was completed:
Can’t agree with this more. He’s a legend. His guidance for the young ones is amazing. Always wanting to spread his knowledge and help. Love you KMo! https://t.co/bX0CxHSFk3
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) March 28, 2019
Lopez, the infield prospect heading to Toronto, is entering his sixth professional season. The 22-year-old Nicaraguan slashed .239/.293/.402 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs in 84 games at Single-A Beloit last year while seeing time defensively at third base, second, and shortstop.
Lopez was not ranked among MLB Pipeline's top 30 Athletics prospects.