Blue Jays expect big things from Morales

TORONTO — The Blue Jays’ first big move of the offseason became official on Friday afternoon when the club announced Kendrys Morales’ three-year deal worth $33 million.

Morales is expected to become Toronto’s primary designated hitter, but general manager Ross Atkins did raise the possibility of occasional playing time at first base or in the outfield. Morales is coming off a year in which he hit 30 home runs with 93 RBIs in 154 games for the Royals.

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The 33-year-old is a switch-hitter who can provide a little more balance to the middle of the order on a team that is predominantly filled with right-handed batters. Atkins said Morales was someone the Blue Jays considered for quite a while, and they felt the price was right to make a quick strike.

“As we considered all of our alternatives, he has been a guy that is very well-respected,” Atkins said during a Friday afternoon conference call with reporters. “He’s obviously been very productive in his career and a guy that many of us here have long talked about as a good fit. The offensive consistency, the …

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