Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Bucs All But Out On Kendrys Morales
By Matt Shetler
September 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (8) before coming up to bat in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
We have addressed the Pittsburgh Pirates situation at first base on numerous occasions and the name Kendrys Morales has popped up on more than one occasion.
While many want to see the Bucs make a splash and bring in a bat like Morales that could potentially help this season, I really wouldn’t count on it. Even though we’ve reported the mutual interest between the team and Morales, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Pirates aren’t willing to forfeit the draft pick they would need to sign Morales.
Kendrys Morales status: Don't rule out Seattle. Word is Duquette can't get financial go-ahead and Pittsburgh won't part with the draft pick.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) February 17, 2014
That’s not surprising in the least and a stance that I agree with. There also wasn’t much of a chance that the Bucs would have been able to sign Morales to a team-friendly contract, being that the veteran slugger is represented by Scott Boras. If the Bucs do make an upgrade at first base, it will come via trade.
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Cafardo also notes that a return to the Seattle Mariners could be in store for Morales, which means the Pirates could then possibly pursue a deal for Justin Smoak if the M’s were interested.
For the time being though, with the full team now reporting to Bradenton, it looks as if the answer will have to come in-house. That means all eyes will be on Andrew Lambo and Chris McGuiness to see who can emerge as a platoon partner with Gaby Sanchez.