Athletics acquire 1B Kendrys Morales from the Blue Jays

With the Athletics new acquisition, what does this mean for both teams?

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Patrick Dunn

The Blue Jays have traded Kendrys Morales to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for infielder Jesus Lopez in addition to international signing bonus space. Morales was the highest paid player on the Blue Jays last season, and will now join the Athletics in their hopes to make the playoffs yet again.

According to Jeff Passan, Morales is expected to play first base for the Athletics as Matt Olson recovers from a broken hamate bone. Once Olson returns, Morales is expected to be the designated hitter to bring more power into the lineup. However, Morales may also share playing time with Mark Canha to create a platoon role between the two. Morales would play against right handed hitters, while Canha would take the field against left handed pitchers.

Last season, Morales hit .249 with 57 RBIs last season, while playing 18 games at first base, while mainly serving as the designated hitter for the Blue Jays last season. Meanwhile, Jesus Lopez is a 22 year old infielder that played in single A last season, while putting up a .239/.293/.402 season. The Blue Jays are also acquiring international slot money in the deal, which has become more important over the last few years.

With more international players migrating to the MLB each year, international slot money has become an important way to add key players to a roster. Shohei Ohtani was the biggest international target last season, and with more projected international players in the future, teams are trying to stock up on international slot money. With international players like Ichiro Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani, and Daisuke Matsuzaka entering the league, this money could become an important factor in the trade down the line.