
After Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles was postponed, the New York Yankees announced that they traded for Kendrys Morales from the Athletics. In exchange, the Yankees will send a player to be named later or cash.
What we’re working with
Morales, 35, is a switch-hitting first baseman and DH, but primarily a DH. After a .203 start to the season over 109 at-bats, the Athletics had DFA’d him on Monday.
Morales is generally a power hitter that can accumulate a lot of home runs and doubles. Power hitters’ averages usually rise once they become a Yankee because of the short porches down the lines at Yankee Stadium.
What the New York Yankees expect out of him
The Yankees are hoping that they can plug Morales into the six or seven spot in the order to drive in runs. They don’t need him to hit for a great average, just get run production via extra base hits and home runs.
With Andujar now on the IL again, that secures Giovanny Urshela’s spot at third for the meantime. Because of that, it will leave some time at the DH spot open for Morales. Hopefully, he shouldn’t be needed in the field at all. Luke Voit is in a little rut right now, but should soon recover from it. Plus, Morales isn’t really known to be a gold-glover.
Hopefully, the acquisition of Kendrys Morales should help boost the lineup and cover up some of the injuries.