Report: Pirates, Free Agent 1B Kendrys Morales Have 'Mutual Interest'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The Pirates' offseason has been relatively quiet with the hope being that at some point, they would make a move to improve their situation at first base. As pitchers and catchers get ready to report, that hope may not be lost as the Pirates may be targeting a free agent first baseman.
As Mike Axisa of CBSSports.com writes, there is mutual interest between the Pirates and former Mariners first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales.
The 30-year-old, switch-hitting Morales hit .277 last year with 23 home runs and 80 RBIs for the Mariners.
There are some concerns when it comes to signing Morales though, as he played in 153 games. However, only 31 of those came at first base. So, defensively he's not an ideal fit for the Pirates. Maybe the even more concerning issue is that Morales has draft pick compensation tied to him right now because of a qualifying offer the Mariners offered, which would cost the Pirates their 25th overall pick in the first round of next year's MLB Draft.
If the Pirates elect not to sign Morales, it looks like they'll head into Spring Training with the platoon of Andrew Lambo and Gaby Sanchez at first base.
Lambo recently spoke with Bob Pompeani on The FAN as he talked about the opportunity he has to prove he's ready to be the team's first baseman.
Stay tuned to 93-7 The FAN for the latest Pirates news and notes.
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