ATHLETICS ACQUIRE KENDRYS MORALES
The Oakland Athletics acquired designated hitter/first baseman Kendrys Morales and cash from the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder Jesus Lopez and international bonus pool money in 2018-19.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
This appears to be a short-term move by Oakland, who lost the services of first baseman Matt Olson (hand surgery, 10-day IL) during the team's Japan trip last week. Morales will likely fill in for Olson at first base (and he may also see some time at DH with the A's). With Morales now in tow, the A's can move Jurickson Profar back to second base (while Franklin Barreto can play every day in the minors).
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are reportedly paying most of Morales' 2019 salary this season as part of the trade, but they were also able to get Lopez (a decent infield prospect) and more slot money for future International signings. Also, moving out Morales provides outfielder Anthony Alford with an opportunity to crack the 25-man roster on opening day. Toronto is clearly in rebuilding mode, so trading Morales makes sense.
Fantasy impact
This trade hurts Morales' longer-term fantasy value, as he will probably land on Oakland's bench when Olson recovers from injury. Meanwhile, this deal also hurts Barreto (who no longer has a roster spot and starting second base role in Oakland, for now). In Toronto, Teoscar Hernandez may take over as the everyday DH, with Billy McKinney and Alford sharing the left field spot. This trade does little for Lopez, who moves to an organization with tremendous depth among infield prospects.
