MLB Rumors: Kendrys Morales could be good fit for New York Yankees?
By Hayden Kane
The end is drawing near for free agent designated hitter/first baseman Kendrys Morales. With the MLB draft a mere week away, he will finally have a team soon.
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Intrigue has been sprinkled into the situation for Morales by the evolving situations for certain teams this season, particularly those who fancy themselves contenders. We heard earlier this week that the Texas Rangers might have interest in Morales because of injuries to their lineup, namely Prince Fielder. Along those same lines, the New York Yankees might have interest in Morales with injuries to their veteran hitters.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports writes about a possible fit with the Yankees:
"In one week, once the first day of baseball’s amateur draft is complete, a team can sign him without losing a high pick. The Yankees are among the teams with potential interest, according to major-league sources…Morales, though, would be a defensive upgrade over McCann or Kelly Johnson, both of whom have filled in at first during Teixeira’s absence. In addition, the Yankees would not need Morales to play defense every day, presuming that Teixeira was healthy; they also could use him as a designated hitter.”"
The fact that Morales would be considered a defensive upgrade over anybody at first base speaks to how dire things have gotten in the Yankees’ infield.
Morales to the Yankees would make sense. In good health, he would lengthen out their lineup as they try to contend for an American League East title. In the event of injuries, such as those currently holding back Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira, Morales presents a far more palatable backup plan than any of the team’s current options.
Once there is no draft pick attached, a move for Morales makes sense in New York. They will surely have competition, however, from teams like the Rangers, the Seattle Mariners and possibly the Milwaukee Brewers (according to Rosenthal). His market has been quiet so far, but the action will pick up soon for Morales.