The Oakland A’s and Toronto Blue Jays struck a deal on the eve of Opning Day, agreeing to a trade that would send 1B/DH Kendrys Morales to the Athletics. Minor-league infielder Jesus Lopez and international slot money are the return for Toronto. To make room on the roster, the A’s also transferred Jharel Cotton to the 60-day IL.
Morales, 35, slashed .249/.331/.438 with Toronto last year, while hitting 21 homers and driving in 57 runs. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan, and is now official.
Morales is expected to platoon at first with Mark Canha while Matt Olson recovers from a broken hamate bone. He can also DH when needed. All in all a solid trade for next to nothing by Oakland. It gives them a bit of added depth when Olson returns, and a lefty power bat is never a bad thing.
Featured Photo: Chicago Tribune
