Kendrys Morales to Royals: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The defending American League champion Kansas City Royals got in on the free-agent frenzy Thursday by securing veteran first baseman and designated hitter Kendrys Morales. The team announced the deal on Tuesday:

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, the parties agreed to a two-year deal worth $8.5 million annually:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided the full details of the deal:

The 31-year-old Morales split last season with the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners, although his campaign got off to a late start after he wasn't signed during the offseason.

In 98 games, Morales ended up hitting just .218 with eight home runs and 42 RBI. That production was a far cry from his solid 2013 campaign with the M's, in which he hit .277 with 23 homers and 80 RBI.

With that said, K.C. is obviously hopeful that the Cuban slugger will be able to return to that level of play in 2015 and 2016.

After longtime Royals stalwart Billy Butler decided to sign with the Oakland Athletics, Morales figures to be his replacement as the primary DH.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today commented on the move:

As a switch-hitter with power to all fields, Morales could be a very nice complement to the likes of Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain in the middle of Kansas City's lineup.

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