Blue Jays: An in-depth analysis of trading with the Athletics

Kendrys Morales packs his bags

Now fans could debate for hours on end on who won the Kendrys Morales trade. While I do believe Morales was in the way being a “DH only” type player on a rebuilding team, paying $10 million dollars of his salary this season is just another addition to money owed to players not on the Blue Jays active roster.

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Morales had qualities that you don’t really see on the stat sheet, but his mid .250-.260 average over the past two seasons and limited defensive ability made him expendable in the long run. I can admit that I did not see the Jays finding a suitor for Morales, and the fact the Jays acquired over a million dollars in international money, makes me think they won this trade. Again, many fans will agree to disagree on this one.

Morales becomes a free agent next season, and who knows, Jesus Lopez could develop into an efficient infielder (I doubt this, but I am a bit of a dreamer). He is young enough to provide depth on the charts and was a filler in the trade.

Future Trades

One thing I can guarantee is that the Jays and Athletics will make many more trades over the course of the next 10-20 years.

Do they need a centre fielder?